GHSGT Review

1. GHSGT Review Government

2. SSCG2: The student will analyze the natural rights philosophy and the nature of government expressed in the Declaration of Independence.

3. Compare and contrast the Declaration of Independence and the Social Contract Theory

4. John Locke believed that people were born with certain “natural rights,” which included life, liberty, and property • He also advocated Social Contract Theory, which states that there is an implied contract between government and citizens • Thomas Jefferson asserted in the Declaration of Independence that “all men are created equal” and that men are born with certain “inalienable rights,” which include life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness • The Declaration of Independence echoes the theories of John Locke in asserting natural rights, that government obtains its power from the consent of the people, and that citizens have the right to resist and/or replace it with a new system

5. Evaluate the Declaration of Independence as a persuasive argument

6. The Declaration of Independence makes these arguments: • “All men are created equal” • Unalienable rights: life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness • Powers of government from consent of the governed • Grievances against the king of England, George III • When revolution should occur • When government becomes “destructive” • Government should not be changed for “light or transient causes” • After a long period of “abuses and usurpations”

7. SSCG3: The student will demonstrate knowledge of the United States Constitution

8. Explain the main ideas in debate over ratification; include those in The Federalist

9. Federalists - favored a strong central government and supported the Constitution Anti-Federalists - feared a strong central government Believed the federal government could only do what the Constitution specifically said The Federalist Papers - Essays written to persuade ratification of the Constitution by easing fears Supported by George Washington, Alexander Hamilton, and John Adams The Anti-Federalists agreed to ratify the Constitution if a Bill of Rights was added

10. Explain the fundamental principles upon which of the United States Constitution is based; include the rule of law, popular sovereignty, separation of powers, checks and balances, and federalism

11. Rule of law – the U.S. is a society governed by set laws Everyone must obey the nation’s laws Popular Sovereignty – the belief that the government is empowered by the will of its people Eventually led to demand that all citizens be given the right to vote Separation of Powers – power is divided by three branches: legislative, judicial, and executive Checks and balances – allows each branch to check the powers of the other two Federalism – power is divided between different levels of government In the U.S. the national and state governments share power

12. SSCG4: The student will demonstrate knowledge of the organization and powers of the national government

13. Describe the structure and powers of the legislative, executive, and judicial branches.

14. Legislative - Congress – makes laws BICAMERAL – Two Houses House of Representatives • Representation based on population • At least one per state • Special power to impeach, initiate tax bills • Presiding officer – Speaker of the House Senate • Representation is equal – 2 per state • Special power to approve President’s treaties and appointments (2/3 majority required) • Serves as jury during impeachment trials • Presiding officer – Vice-President of the U.S.

15. Executive – President – enforces laws 1. 4-year terms, limited to 2 terms 2. Elected by Electoral College 3. Powers and Duties (Article II, Sections 2& 3) a. Commander-in-chief of armed forces b. Can make treaties c. Can appointment Supreme Court justices, Cabinet 4. The Vice-President and Cabinet are part of the executive branch

16. Judicial – Supreme Court - interprets laws 1. Highest court in the nation 2. Court of final appeal 3. Congress establishes inferior courts

17. Analyze the relationship between the three branches in a system of checks and balances and separation of powers.

18. Can: Propose legislation Veto legislation Call special legislative sessions Recommend appointments Negotiate foreign treaties • Executive Branch • The President • Enforces the nation’s laws • Heads the armed forces • Represents the nation in foreign affairs Can: Appoint federal judges Grant pardons and reprieves to federal offenders • Legislative Branch • Congress • Passes taxes • Makes new laws Can: Pass legislation Override a presidential veto Confirm executive appointments Ratify treaties Appropriate money Impeach and remove a President • Judicial Branch • Supreme Court • (and other Federal Courts) • Decides whether or not laws are constitutional Can: Declare executives actions and laws unconstitutional Can: Create lower federal courts and judgeships Impeach judges Propose constitutional amendments to override judicial decisions Approve appointments of federal judges Can: Declare legislation unconstitutional

19. SSCG5: The student will demonstrate knowledge of the federal system of government described in the United States Constitution

20. Explain the relationship of state government to the national government

21. Under our federal system of government, power is divided between states and the national government • According to the 10th Amendment, any powers not specifically granted to the national government are reserved for the states • No state government may pass a law that violates the U.S. Constitution

22. Define the difference between enumerated and implied powers

23. Enumerated Powers - are explicitly granted by the Constitution Implied Powers - are powers not specifically mentioned in the Constitution

24. Describe the extent to which power is shared.

25. The Supremacy Clause states that the Constitution is the “supreme law of the land” and takes precedence over any state or local laws.

26. Identify powers denied to state and national governments.

27. Any powers expressly denied the national government are also denied to the states and no state government may pass a law that violates the U.S. Constitution.

28. Analyze the supremacy clause found in Article VI and the role of the U.S. Constitution as the “supreme law of the land.”

29. Article 6: Constitution is the supreme law of the nation. - No federal, state, or local law can conflict with the Constitution

30. SSCG6: The student will demonstrate knowledge of civil liberties and civil rights

31. Examine the Bill of Rights with emphasis on First Amendment freedoms

32. The Bill of Rights consists of the first 10 amendments to the United States Constitution The 1st Amendment guarantees the following for citizens: • Freedom of speech • Freedom of the press • Freedom to petition the government • Freedom to assemble • Freedom of religion • Separation of church and state

33. Analyze due process law expressed in the 5th and 14th Amendments

34. The 5th Amendment ensures that no person shall be imprisoned or deprived of his or her property without due process • Due process prevents government abuse and ensures citizens charged with a crime are not denied their rights during judicial hearings • The 14th Amendment makes it illegal for any state government to pass laws denying liberties guaranteed under the Bill of Rights

35. Explain how government seeks to maintain the balance between individual liberties and the public interest.

36. Individual liberties are the personal freedoms every citizens enjoys under the Constitution • Public interest refers to those things which citizens have a common interest: public safety, national security, a healthy environment, protection from dangerous products in the market place, etc. At times, protecting public interest can infringe on individual liberties • For instance, following the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, the U.S. government passed the PATRIOT Act, which grants government officials greater freedom to monitor phone calls, emails, and other forms of communication • Many appreciate such a law because it protects the public • Others, say such laws go too far because they invade citizens’ privacy and violate individual liberties

37. Explain every citizen’s right to be treated equally under the law.

38. Today, the Constitution has been amended so that, at least in theory, every U.S. citizen is given equal protection under the law regardless of skin color, gender, age, wealth, etc.

39. SSCG7: The student will describe how thoughtful and effective participation in civic life is characterized by obeying the law, paying taxes, serving on a jury, participating in the political process, performing public service, registering for military duty, being informed about current issues, and respecting different opinions

40. U.S. citizens must fulfill a number of civic responsibilities in order for U.S. society to function • These civic duties include: • Obeying laws • Paying taxes • Serving jury duty • Performing public service • Registering for the draft (required for 18-year-old males) • Political participation • Staying well-informed

41. SSCG8: The student will demonstrate knowledge of local, state, and national elections

42. Describe the organization, role, and constituencies of political parties

43. The U.S. Constitution says nothing about political parties • Despite pleas from George Washington, political parties have become an important part of U.S. policies Political parties are organizations that promote political beliefs and sponsor candidates • The U.S. operates on a two-party system • These two parties are the Democrats and Republicans

44. (Political parties continued) Political parties serve the following functions: • They nominate candidates for office • Coordinate the actions of government officials • Establish party platforms Each party has it general constituency, which is the people who make up and are represented by the party • Democrats are identified as more liberal • Republicans are generally more conservative

45. Describe the nomination and election process

46. Local , state, and federal officials are voted into office by means of a general election • To decide on a single nominee, primary elections are held to choose between candidates within the same party • In presidential elections, the winner is not directly chosen by the people, but by the Electoral College • In a general election, whichever presidential candidate wins the most votes in a particular state is awarded ALL of that state’s votes in the Electoral College • Georgia currently has 15 electoral votes

47. Examine campaign funding and spending

49. SSCG9: The student will explain the differences between the House of Representatives and the Senate, with emphasis on terms of office, powers, organization, leadership, and representatives of each house