1. GOVERNMENT

2. THERE ARE 2 MAIN TYPES OF GOVERNMENT LIMITED Power of the government is “limited” by the people Power is limited by a constitution, laws, or statement of rights Keeps government from taking advantage of the people People have more rights & freedoms People elect government representatives Ex: Democracy, Constitutional Republic UNLIMITED Power of the government is “unlimited” No rules or laws exist to limit what the ruler can or cannot do—they have total control over citizens’ lives People have few to no rights or freedoms People do not elect representatives Ex: Totalitarianism, Dictatorships, Absolute monarchy

3. The United States has a LIMITED government because the people elect government officials to protect their rights & freedoms. The U.S. is often described as both a Constitutional Republic AND a Representative Democracy WHAT TYPE OF GOVERNMENT DOES THE UNITED STATES HAVE?

4. The U.S. Government is divided into 3 separate, but equal branches. “Checks & Balances” THE U.S. CONSTITUTION One of the main functions of the U.S. Constitution is to make sure government power is SHARED so a single person or group does not have all the power.

5. LEGISLATIVE BRANCH Makes laws for the nation CONGRESS: made up of Senate & House of Representatives Elected by the people and come from all 50 states

6. EXECUTIVE BRANCH Office of the President Carries out laws, lead the military, appoint Supreme Court judges, plan national budget, meet with foreign leaders Elected by the people every four years Can serve a maximum of 2 terms

7. JUDICIAL BRANCH Made up of state & federal courts Decide if laws are fair and if they follow the Constitution Supreme Court—most powerful court in the U.S. has 9 judges (Justices) appointed by the President

8. CITIZENSHIP & DUTIES OF UNITED STATES CITIZENS

9. RESPONSIBILITIES OF CITIZENSHIP Citizenship – the combination of duties and rights of a citizen. Good citizenship means U.S. Citizens rights come with responsibilities…we call these responsibilities, “civic duties.”

10. MAKE A GRAPHIC ORGANIZER IN YOUR JOURNAL LIKE THE ONE BELOW… Civic Duties

11. 1. PAY TAXES Pay for the benefits and services that citizens receive from the government (income tax, social security tax, property tax, medicare tax, etc.)

12. 2. CAST AN INFORMED VOTE Citizens should learn about candidates and issues to make informed decisions when they vote.

13. 3. SERVE ON JURIES Serve on juries to decide court cases (jury duty)

14. 4. SERVE IN THE MILITARY May need to serve in defense of your country

15. 5. VOLUNTEER FOR ACTIVITIES THAT PROMOTE THE COMMON GOOD Work to protect the environment, support communities, and help the underprivileged.

16. 6. OBEY LAWS Live within the laws