US House of Representatives - Mr. Knoche's Civics



SOL Fast Facts for 8th Grade Civics and EconomicsUnit 1 We the People: A Government of Citizens1citizenindividual with certain rights and duties under a government and who, by birth or by choice, owes allegiance to that government2sources of citizenship14th Amendment defines citizenship in U.S. BirthNaturalization3naturalization processestablish residencyknow American history and principlesbe able to read, speak, and write basic Englishpass exam (history & principals)take oath of allegiance 4duties of citizensobey lawspay taxesserve in the armed forces if calledserve on a jury if calledserve as a witness in court if called5responsibilities of citizensregister and voteinfluence government by communicating with government officialsvolunteer for appointed positionshold elective officeparticipate in political campaignskeep informed regarding current issuesrespect others' rights to an equal voice in government6purposes of governmentprotect citizenspreserve orderprovide public goods and servicesplan for the future7democracyform of government in which the people rule the country8limited governmentgovernment may do only those things people have given it the power to do and is specifically not allowed to do some things that step on people’s rights9majority rulethe side receiving the greatest number of votes makes decisions binding on whole group while protecting minority rights 10protection of fundamental freedomsthe responsibility of the government to safeguard the rights of all citizens, even those in the minority11representative governmentpeople elect public officeholders to make laws and conduct government on their behalf12consent of the governedpeople are the source of all governmental power so government can only do what the citizens show they approve of (through voting)13rule of lawgovernment including those who govern are bound by the law14popular sovereigntygovernment’s authority to govern comes from the people themselves, rather than from birth of the rulers or some outside source15charters of the Virginia Company of Londondocument that guaranteed the rights of Englishmen who agreed to settle in America16Virginia Declaration of Rightsdocument that served as a model for the Bill of Rights of the Constitution17Virginia Statute for Religious Freedomdocument written by Jefferson that established freedom of religious beliefs and opinions, and the separation of church and statemodel for part of the 1st Amendment18Declaration of Independencestated grievances against the king of Englandaffirmed “certain unalienable rights” (life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness)established the idea that all people are equal under the lawestablishes the right of citizens to change an unjust government19Articles of Confederationdocument established first form of national US government major powers resided with individual states weak central governmentno power to tax and enforce laws20citizen’s community service volunteer for organizations and public service (ex.: tutoring) express concern about public issueshelp make the community a better place to live21personal character traits of good citizenstrustworthiness and honestycourtesy and respectresponsibility, accountability, and self-reliancerespect for the lawpatriotism participant in the school and local communityinformed voter22 skills for effective civic participationformulate questions express positionanalyze information devise and implement a planUnit 2 Constitutional Government23US Constitutionsupreme law of the landestablishes the structure of the U.S. governmentPreamble, 7 articles, and amendmentsguarantees equality under law 24“Living document”refers to the US Constitution flexible and adaptable amendments, elastic cause, and interpretation (courts)25 amendmentchange in the Constitution currently 2726 amending process of the U.S Constitutioncomplex – only 27 approved in over 200 yearsproposed by 2/3 vote of Congress or state conventionsratified by ? vote of the states27due process of lawconstitutional protection against unfair governmental actions and lawsthe government must follow certain steps if someone is accused of a crime28expressed powerspowers of the federal government specifically mentioned in the US Constitutionalso known as delegated or enumerated powers29implied powerspowers not listed but exercised to carry out the powers of governmentto carry out the necessary and proper clause30reserved powerspowers kept by the states (10th Amendment)31concurrent powerspowers shared between the federal and state government 32federalismdivision of power between the states and national governmentnational government is supreme33national government’s primary responsibilitiesconducts foreign policyregulates commerce34state government’s primary responsibilitiespromotes public health, safety, and welfare35Preambleintroduction to the US Constitution that expresses the reasons the Constitution was written36purposes of government in the preambleform a more perfect unionestablish justiceensure domestic tranquility provide for the common defensepromote the general welfaresecure the blessings of liberty 37 Bill of Rightsfirst 10 Amendments to the US Constitution that protects citizens’ basic rights381st Amendmentguarantees freedom of speech, press, assembly, religion and petition39 5th Amendmentguarantees citizens the right of due process of lawprotects against double jeopardy, eminent domain, and self-incrimination4014th Amendmentdefines citizenshipanyone born in the US is a citizen of the US and the state they live inguarantees rights to all citizens (preventing states from denying former slaves rights)extends due process protection to actions of the states41checks and balancesgives each of branch of government a way to limit the powers of the other branches42separation of powersdefines and divides the powers of the three branches of governmentArticle I – legislative, Article II –executive, Article III - judicial43supremacy clauseidentifies the US Constitution as the authority over the statesUnit 3 Legislative Branch of Government44Legislative branchpart of government that is responsible for writing the lawsCongress (House of Representatives & Senate)45Legislative PowersExpressed: Specifically listed in the Constitution of the United StatesImplied: Not written, but used to carry out expressed powers46expressed or enumerated powers of federal legislative branchMakes the laws of the nation Declares warApproves the annual budget Regulates interstate and foreign tradeConfirms presidential appointmentsRaises revenue through taxes and other levies47bicameral legislature consisting of two houses48US Senate“upper house”2 members from each state (100 Senators)President Pro Tempore (when vice president is not present) is presiding officer49US House of Representatives“lower house”# determined by state’s population (435 Representatives)Speaker of the House is presiding officer50lawmaking processElected officials write laws and take action in response to problems or issues.Introducing a bill by a Senator or RepresentativeWork in committeesDebating the bill on the floor of each houseVote by both housesSigned into law by President 51legislative checks judicialapproves federal judgesimpeaches federal judges 52legislative checks executiveoverrides vetoesimpeaches presidentapproves budgetapproves appointments (Senate)approves treaties (Senate)Unit 4 Executive Branch of Government53executive branchpart of government that is responsible for enforcing or carrying out the lawsPresident54powers of federal executive branchexecutes law of the landprepares annual budget for congressional actionappoints cabinet officers, ambassadors, and federal judgesadministers federal bureaucracyenforce federal regulationsPresidential power has grown in the years since the Constitution was ratified.55state of the union addressannual presidential speech to Congress56CabinetPresident’s official group of advisors, includes the heads of major departments.57Vetopresident rejects a bill passed by Congress so it doesn’t become lawcan be overturned by 2/3 vote by Congress58Ways the executive branch influences policymakingProposing legislation in an annual speech to Congress (State of the Union Address) Appealing directly to the people Approving or vetoing legislation Appointing officials who carry out the laws Cabinet departments, agencies, and regulatory groups interpret and execute the laws.59The President exercises power asChief of State: Ceremonial head of the government Chief Executive: Head of the executive branch of government Chief Legislator: Proposer of the legislative agenda Commander-in-Chief: Head of the nation’s armed forces Chief Diplomat: Architect of American foreign policy Chief of Party: Leader of the political party that controls the executive branch Chief Citizen: Representative of all of the people60executive checks judicialappoints judgesgrants amnesty, pardon, reprieve61executive checks legislativeapproves or vetoes acts of Congress (bills)calls Congress into special sessionUnit 5 Judicial Branch of Government62judicial branch part of government that is responsible for interpreting lawscourts63original jurisdictionauthority to hear a case for the first time64appellate jurisdictionauthority to review cases from lower district courts or from regulatory agencies65arraignmenthearing in which a suspect is charged and enters a plea (guilty or not guilty)66civil case involves a disagreement between two partiesperson wants compensation from someone who he feels has wronged him67procedure for civil casesplaintiff files a complaint to recover damages or receive compensationcase can be decided by judge or juryverdict can be appealed68criminal lawdeals with misdemeanors and feloniessomeone is accused of breaking a law69procedure in criminal casesarrest assuming probable causepreliminary hearing: jailed or released on bailindictment: formally charged with a crimearraignment: case is reviewed, the defendant may be appointed an attorney, and plea is enteredtrial verdictmay appeal70subpoena a court order to appear in court 71Appeal request to a higher court to rehear a case if the losing side feels injustice 72U. S. Supreme Court8 associate justices & 1 chief justiceno juryhears cases dealing with constitutional issues typically hears cases on appeal, but has also has limited original jurisdictionThe Supreme Court is the highest court in the land 73U. S. Court of Appealsjustices, no juryappellate jurisdictioncan uphold, overturn, or remand a verdict from a lower court74U. S. District Courtjudge and juryoriginal jurisdictiondetermines guilt or innocence, “trial court”75Due process of lawconstitutional protection against unfair governmental actions and laws76Due process protections 5th Amendment—Prohibits the national government from acting in an unfair manner 14th Amendment—Prohibits state and local governments from acting in an unfair manner The Supreme Court has extended the due process clauses to protect the guarantees of the Bill of Rights.77Marbury v. MadisonChief Justice Marshall found that the Judiciary Act conflicted with the Constitution; the Supreme Court therefore overruled the act of Congress since the Constitution is always supremeestablished the principle of Judicial Review78judicial reviewSupreme Court determines laws/actions of the executive/legislative are constitutional79judicial checks executivedeclares executive acts unconstitutional80judicial checks legislativedeclares laws unconstitutionalUnit 6 People and Politics81conservative people who prefer the way things are, usually want to limit the role of government82moderatepeople who avoid the extremes of either the liberal or conservative philosophymajor parties attempt to appeal to the center83liberal people who want peaceful reform, usually want expanded role of government84evaluating campaign informationseparating fact from opiniondetecting biasevaluating sourcesidentifying propaganda8515th Amendmentextended suffrage to African Americans8619th Amendmentextended suffrage to women8724th Amendmentoutlawed poll taxes8826th Amendmentextended suffrage to 18 year olds89functions of political partiesrecruiting and nominating candidateseducating the electorate about campaign issueshelping candidates win electionsmonitoring actions of officeholders (watchdog)90platformstatement of a political party positions on issues (planks)91third partiesintroduce new ideas or support for a particular issueoften revolve around a political personality may act as spoiler92how interest groups affect public policyidentifying issuesmaking political contributionslobbying government officials93ways individuals affect public policyparticipating in politics (voting, campaigning)expressing opinions (lobbying, demonstrating, writing letters)joining interest groups94roles of mass media identifying candidatesemphasizing selected issueswriting editorials, creating political cartoons, publishing op-ed piecesbroadcasting different points of viewholding officials accountable95campaign active effort to get support for a particular candidate to be elected to office96rising campaign costsrequires candidates to conduct extensive fund-raising activitiesencourages the development of political action committees (PACs) gives issue-oriented special interest groups increased influenceleads to campaign finance reform (limits the amount individuals may contribute?to?political candidates and campaigns)give an advantage to wealthy individuals who run for officelimit opportunities to run for public office97requirements for voting in Virginiacitizen of the United Statesresident of Virginia and precinct 18 years of age by day of general electionRegister 30 days prior to election 98factors in predicting likely voters age income education99why citizens fail to vote lack of interest (apathy)failure to registerpast experienceslevel of government 100presidential nomination primary electionscaucusesconventions101electoral collegegroup of people that directly elect the president and vice-presidentnumber of state electors is equal to a state’s representation in Congress102electoral college processpopular vote determines which electors represent each stateelectors meet to vote for President and Vice Presidentwinner-take-all system leads to targeting of populous states for campaigningUnit 7 Economics103scarcityinability to satisfy all wants at the same time, all resources are limited104The three basic questions of economics:What will be produced?Who will produce it?For whom will it be produced?105natural resourcesfactors of production that are used in producing goods and services such as land, minerals, water, etc.106human resourcesfactors of production that are used in producing goods and services such as labor, skills, training, etc.107capital resourcesMoney, machines and tools used to produce things108entrepreneurPerson who takes a risk to produce goods and services in search of profit109choiceselecting an item or action from a set of possible alternatives110opportunity costwhat is given up when a choice is made to use scarce resources for one purpose instead of another, the highest valued alternative that is forgone111incentivesomething that motivates someone to act, used to change economic behavior112priceamount of money exchanged for a good or servicedetermined by the interaction of supply and demandinfluences who acquires goods and services113supplyAmount of a good or service that producers are willing and able to sell at a certain price114demandAmount of a good or service that consumers are willing and able to buy at a certain price115consumptionUsing goods or services116productionCombining of human, natural, capital and entrepreneurship resources to make goods or provide services.117Factors of ProductionEntrepreneurshipHuman resourcesNatural resourcesCapital resources 118Traditional EconomyEconomic decisions are based on custom and historical precedentPeople often perform the same type of work as their parents and grandparents, regardless of ability or potential119Command Economygovernment ownership of property & resourcescentrally-planned economyGovernment controls what is producedlack of consumer choice120Free Market Economyprivate ownership of property & resources profit is goalcompetition consumer sovereigntyindividual choicesupply & demand determine market price121Mixed Economygovernment and the market forces share in the making of economic decisionsmore government role for public sector and individuals and businesses for private sector122consumer sovereigntyPeople determine what goods and services will be produced through what they are willing to purchase123competitionRivalry between producers/sellers of goods or services results in better quality goods and services at a lower price124profitEarnings after all expenses have been paid125private propertyindividuals and businesses have the right to own land, machinery, buildings and the means of producing goodsgoods and services may be produced and sold for personal profit126Sole ProprietorshipForm of business with one owner who takes all the risks and gains all the profits127PartnershipForm of a business with two or more owners who share the risks and profits128Corporationform of business organization authorized by law to act as a legal personmany owners have shares of the business and share in profitsowners’ liability is limited to their investment so there is less risk129Circular/Economic FlowContinuous movement between resources, goods and services, and money among households, businesses and markets individual and business saving and investment provide financial capitalcapital is borrowed for business expansionindividuals (households) own the resources, sell the resources, and use the income to purchase products.businesses (producers) buy resources; make products that are sold to individuals, and use the profits to buy more resources130Public Goods & Servicesgood or service maintained by government & paid for by taxesprovide benefits to many simultaneouslywould not be available if individuals had to provide them themselvesroads, postal service, schools, parks, fire & police, defense131Private Financial Institutionsbanks, savings and loans, credit unions, and securities brokerages receive deposits and make loansencourage saving and investing by paying interest on deposits132InterestFee paid for the use of money133Federal Reserve System central bank of the United States (“fed”)issues currencyregulates the amount of money in circulationcontrols interest ratesgoal is to maintain a stable economy134Fiscal Policy to Slow the EconomyGoal is to lessen excess funds available for private and business spendingDecrease government spendingTax increaseGovernment borrows more by selling more bonds135Fiscal Policy to Stimulate the EconomyGoal is to increase funds for private and business spending Decrease government borrowing (sell less bonds)Increase government spending May create more demand and productionMay increase employment136TaxMoney the government collects from citizens and businesses to provide public services137Government RevenueSources of government funds includingTaxesBorrowing funds through selling bondsLicenses, fines and intergovernmental for state and local138DeficitExcess of government expenses over revenues139Government Agencies that Regulate BusinessFCC (Federal Communications Commission)- radio, television, newspapersEPA (Environmental Protection Agency)- pollution, natural landsFTC (Federal Trade Commission)-advertising, packaging, buying & selling140Reasons for Trade and Global Economyobtain goods and services they cannot produce or produce efficiently themselvesbuy goods and services at a lower cost or lower opportunity costsell goods and services to other countriesoften greater employment, though may shift location of workforce141Ways Government Promotes Competitionenforcing antitrust legislation to discourage monopoliesengaging in global tradesupporting business start-ups14216th AmendmentGives Congress the power to collect income taxes from individuals & businessesUnits 8 and 9 State and Local Government143responsibilities of state governmentsreserved powers (10the Amendment)includes education, elections, public health, safety, and welfareauthorize local governmentsome powers are denied to the states by the Constitution144state executive branchexecutes laws of Virginiaprepares biennial budget for General Assemblyappoints cabinet officers and boardsadministers state bureaucracygrants pardons & reprievesGovernor, lieutenant governor, and attorney general elected145state legislative branchmakes laws for Virginiaapproves biennial (two-year) budgetexercises power under the 10th Amendment146General AssemblyVirginia legislatureconsists of a state senate and house of delegates147state judicial branchhears cases under the authority provided by state legislationdistrict courts, circuit courts, appeals courts, VA Supreme Court148Virginia Supreme Courtdetermines constitutionality of laws/acts of the executive/legislative branches Virginia7 justices/no juryappellate jurisdictioncourt of final appeal in the statelimited original jurisdiction149Court of Appeals of Virginiaappellate jurisdiction over circuit courtsjudges/no jury150Circuit Courtoriginal jurisdiction for felony criminal cases civil cases over $1000 151General District Courtoriginal jurisdiction for misdemeanors civil cases involving less than $1000152magistratejudge who issues search warrants, subpoenas, arrest warrants, and sets bail153Juvenile and Domestic Relations Courthears cases dealing with minors (under 18) & family mattersjudge (no jury)154procedure for cases involving juvenilesjudges have greater latitude in handling juvenile casesjuveniles who commit serious crimes can be tried as adultsbench trialrecord may be sealed155local governmenttown, city, countyprovide basic servicesimplement state lawspass ordinancespowers delegated by the state156city councillegislative body in a cityelected by citizensmayor is presiding officer157city manageradministrator hired by city council to manage the citydirects the work of all city employees158council-manager systemtype of local government with an elected city council and mayor and appointed city manager (Virginia Beach)159city charterpermission from the state to form a local governmentplan of government for a cityin Virginia can’t be changed without state approval ................
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