Categories of Governments

 23895052479040Name: _______________________________________________________Period: _______________________ Year: _____________________Teacher’s Name: _____________________________________________Table of ContentsUNIT 1A: POLITICAL AND ECONOMIC SYSTEMS……………………………………….. 5Purpose of Government …………………………………………………………………….. 6Democratic vs. Authoritarian ……………………………………………………………..... 7Types and Forms of Government ………………………………………………………..…. 8Characteristics of Democracy …………………………………………………………….. 11Systems of Government ………………………………………………………………….. 12Parliamentary vs. Presidential Democracies ……………………………………………… 14Economic Systems ………………………………………………………………………. ..16Economic Theories ………………………………………………………………………. ..20UNIT 1B: FOUNDING THE NATION…………………………….……………………….…. 22Founding Documents …………………………………………………………………….. 23Principals of Government ………………………………………………………………... 26Constitution Scavenger Hunt …………………………………………………………….. 29Federalism and Powers ………………………………………………………………….. 23Checks and Balances …………………………………………………………………….. 35UNIT 2A: LEGISLATIVE BRANCH – STATE & LOCAL ………………………………… 37Congress ………………………………………………………………………………….. 38Maryland General Assembly …………………………………………………………….. 39Congress vs. Maryland General Assembly ………………………………………………. 40McCulloch v. Maryland (1819) …………………………………………………….…….. 42Elastic Clause …………………………………………………………………………….. 44Reapportionment …………………………………………………………………………. 46Redistricting and Gerrymandering ……………………………………………………….. 47How a Bill Becomes a Law ……………………………………………………………… 48UNIT 2B: EXECUITIVE BRANCH – STATE & LOCAL ………………………………….. 49Federal v. State …………………………………………………………………………… 50Roles of the Executive ……………………….…………………………………………... 53Executive Orders ………………………………………………………………………… 55Presidential Cabinet …………………………...…………………………………………. 55UNIT 2C: JUDICIAL BRANCH – STATE & LOCAL ……………………………………… 56Courts …………………………………………………………………………………….. 57Marbury v. Madison (1803) ………………………………………...……………………. 58Jurisdiction ……………………………………………………………………………….. 61UNIT 3: STATE & LOCAL POLICY ….................................................................................... 62State and Local Government ……………………………………...……………………… 63State Taxing and Spending ………………………………………………………………. 64Local Taxing and Spending ………………………………………..……………………. 65State v. Local Spending ………………………………………………………………….. 64Socio-Economic Goals …………………………………………………………………… 68Regional Interest …………………………………..…………………………………….. 69Government Participation ………………………………………………………………. 72UNIT 4A: CIVIL LIBERTIES ………………………………………………………………… 73Bill of Rights …………………………………………………………………………….. 741st Amendment …………………………………………………………………………… 76UNIT 4B: CIVIL AND CRIMINAL LAW…………………………………………………..… 79Civil v. Criminal Law ……………………………………………………………………. 80Rights of the Accused ……………………………………………………………………. 82UNIT 4C: CIVIL RIGHTS …………………………………………………………………….. 85Purpose of the 14th Amendment …………………………………………………………. 86Government Promotion of Equity ………………………………………………………. 87Practice Bill of Rights …………………………………………………………………… 89UNIT 5: POLICY ……………………………………………………………………………….. 90Foreign Policy Goals and Tools ………………………………………………………….. 93International Organizations and Treaties ………………………………………………... 96United Nations …………………………………………………………………………… 97Trade …………………………………………………………………………………….. 99Domestic Policy …………………………………………………………………………. 100Public Assistance and Entitlements ……………………………………………………… 102Fiscal v. Monetary Policy ………………………………………………………………. 104Business Cycles and Fiscal Policy ……………………………………………………… 108Gross Domestic Product (GDP) ………………………………………………………… 109UNIT 6: POLITICAL PARTIES, CAMPAINGING & VOTING ………………………… 110Political Parties …………………………………………………………………………. 111Campaigning and Elections …………………………………………………………….. 114Electoral College ……………………………………………………………………….. 115Money Makes the World Go Round ……………………………………………………. 118Paying for Elections …………………………………………………………………….. 119Voting ……………………………………………………………………...…………… 120Voting Patterns ………………………………………………………………………….. 122Public Opinion - Media …………………….…………………………………………… 123Unit 1A Political and Economic SystemsKey Vocabulary/Concepts:Political Systems Purposes of Government (be able to cite real world examples of each)Public SafetySocial OrderGeneral WelfareEconomic Decision MakingCharacteristics of Authoritarian vs. Democratic Governments; Advantages and Disadvantages of EachAuthoritarian: Monarchy, Absolute Monarchy, Dictatorship, OligarchyDemocratic: Direct Democracy, Representative Democracy, Constitutional MonarchyParliamentary vs. Presidential DemocracyForms of GovernmentUnitary, Confederate, Federal– Characteristics, Adv/Disadv of eachEconomicsCharacteristics of Economic Systems: Market, Mixed Market, Command, traditional; Advantages and disadvantages of eachEconomic Theories: Capitalism, Communism, Socialism; Marx, Engels, SmithEconomic Questions: What to produce, How to produce, For Whom to produceFocus Questions:What are the differences between democratic and authoritarian forms of government?What are the advantages and disadvantages of democratic vs. authoritarian governments?What are the characteristics of the different political systems?How does Parliamentary Democracy differ from Presidential Democracy? Which is better?What are the main purposes of government and how does government fulfill these purposes?What are the three basic forms of dividing power within governments, the advantages and disadvantages of each?How do the 4 basic economic systems vary? What role does the government play in each system?What are the goals of the 3 economic theories?How do different economies answer the basic economic questions?H.S.A. Test Strategies and Information:This unit is heavily tested on every H.S.A. Special emphasis is placed on the differences between authoritarian and democratic governments. There is always a question about characteristics of a representative democracy, and usually one question where an example is given and students have to select which form of government or system. Also, purposes of government are tested using real world examples and the student must select which purpose is being fulfilled. Economics is heavily tested as well; the state especially likes Command economic system characteristics, Market and “Mixed” economies are also emphasized (make sure that you know the difference in the role of the government in each economy this is what is usually being tested). Economic theories are rarely tested; usually an excerpt that provides the author – they have not tested which author goes with which theory, it is an application of the theory that is tested, ex: an excerpt from the Communist Manifesto then select the type of economic system. Real world situations are also used to test the basic economic questions where the students are given a real situation and asked which question is being answered.Purposes of Government6134100133985Directions: All levels of Government within the United States serve the same basic purposes including: maintaining social order, providing for public safety, making economic decisions, providing for the General Welfare (public services), protecting the environment, national security. Read each scenario and decide which purpose of government is being fulfilled, write the answer in the space provided.1. ___________________________ The State of Maryland passed a law requiring motorcyclists to wear helmets.2. ___________________________ The Federal government added additional funding for child health care programs.3. ___________________________ Due to a rise in the price of goods, the federal government raised interest rates.285761689104. ___________________________ The State of Maryland outlawed the use of cell phones while driving.5. ___________________________ Frederick County Commissioners vote to require developers to set aside park land within every new development.6. ___________________________ State law requires all children to attend school until the age of 16.7. ___________________________ Maryland requires all hunters to take a safety course before getting their license.60579004743448. ___________________________ The federal government created the Department of Homeland Security after 9/11.9. ___________________________ Congress voted to raise the minimum wage to $5.85.10. __________________________ Frederick County froze the property taxes of elderly home owners on fixed incomes.11. __________________________ Prince George’s County passed a curfew law restricting juveniles under 17 from being out between 10pm and 5am on weeknights, and midnight-5 am on weekends.12. __________________________ The state of Maryland restricts the sale of fireworks.2857621082013. __________________________ WIC – the Women , Infants and Children program provides food vouchers to qualified low income residents.14. __________________________ Frederick County Commissioners shifted money from other programs in order to fully fund the board of education’s budget.15. __________________________ Maryland provides tax incentives to encourage people to install solar power in their homes.16. __________________________ State funds camp for kids with disabilities17. __________________________ Lack of rain forces Fort Detrick to restrict water usage595312523558418. __________________________ Due to increase in traffic deaths, State hires more Troopers19. __________________________ Legislation calls for Iraq troop withdrawal to being in 2 months.20. _________________________ Teen ordered to serve 18 months of 10 year sentence for crime spree Categories of GovernmentsDemocratic vs. AuthoritarianAuthoritarian, governments are those in which all power lies?in the hands of one person or a small elite group. Personal freedom is limited through strict use of police power. Schools and religious groups are carefully controlled. Free speech is not tolerated (allowed). The radio, press and television systems are typically government-run. The government has usually come to power as a result of a revolution, or by a coup d'etat, usually by military force. ??The economic system is usually controlled by the government as are the factors of production: land, labor & capital. Authoritarian forms of government include: Totalitarian Dictatorship, Oligarchy and Absolute Monarchy.?591502569850-285741300480Democracy is government by consent--the consent of the citizens. In a democratic society, the people have sovereignty; ultimate power resides with them. Democracies have elections in which choices can be made, a political party system, constitutional and legal protection of rights and liberties, and government with limited power. Government is based on the people's free expression of opinions. All people are supposed to be treated equally under the law. They have rights that cannot be taken away by government. Underlying these basic ideas are the beliefs that governments are created by people, should govern with the consent of the governed, and that people have the right to change the government. The economic system usually is free from control of the government (at least in part). These forms include: Direct and Representative Democracy, Constitutional Monarchy.Excerpted from: SIRS Knowledge SourceDirections: Read the list of characteristics below, and write them in the correct box on the diagram that follows.One Person with all PowerCommand EconomyKing or Queen rulesLimited Government Military helps to maintain powerFree Market EconomyIndividual LibertyCompeting Political PartiesOne Political PartyMajority Rule/Minority RightsFree ElectionsDecisions take longer279400101600DEMOCRACYAUTHORITARIAN279400101600Comparing Political Forms/Types of Government?Although every country’s political system may operate differently, all political systems can be placed in two separate categories: Democratic or Authoritarian. Democratic systems are based on a limited form of government where the people consent to be governed and the government’s protection of individual rights; these systems include: Direct Democracy, Representative Democracy, and Constitutional Monarchy. Authoritarian systems are unlimited forms of government where there are no limits on the power of the leader/s, power is usually taken and kept through the use of force, and individual rights are not protected; these systems include: Absolute Monarchy, Oligarchy and Totalitarian Dictatorship.61912501196975?Authoritarian Governments: ???Absolute monarchy is rule by one person who claims power from inheritance (stays in the family), or as a so-called authority from God. For thousands of years, rule by monarchs (kings or queens) was the common form of government. ?The monarch is often the head of the state and of the official religion. ?????Oligarchy means rule by the few. A small, group governs the nation. Oligarchs may be military leaders, political party leaders, wealthy business owners or any other small group that gains control. In oligarchies, one individual, may officially lead the country, but political power and decision making is in the hands of the group. For example, in China today, there is a leader known as the Premier, however the Communist Party actually runs the country. ?????Dictatorship is rule by an individual who holds complete, or totalitarian, control over the government. Germany under Hitler, Italy under Mussolini, and Franco's Spain were dictatorships. In dictatorships, there may be some characteristics of democracy, but they are meaningless. Elections are faked, and citizens are required to vote without having any real choice between parties or leaders. Dictators usually surround themselves with loyal followers. The state and the dictator are one and the same. In some cases, a leader who originally represented an oligarchy becomes a dictator when he or she gains enough personal power to be unchallenged. Joseph Stalin of the Soviet Union and Mao Zedong of China became dictators when they gained total control of the Communist parties that put them in power. Democratic Governments:?????Direct democracy exists when the citizens vote on directly on government decisions. In this system majority votes of the citizens determine all government decisions. Direct democracy is still practiced in some small New England towns as well as in certain Swiss cantons (counties). Elements of direct democracy are also found in states where citizens can propose, or start legislation, recall public officials (in California voters decided to recall the Governor because they didn’t think he was doing a good job – recall’s are not allowed under the Maryland Constitution) and vote in popular referendums on public questions (Maryland allows for initiatives and referendums). -285741036320?????Representative Democracy is the more usual form of democratic government today. In this system, elected legislators represent the people in making laws and deciding public issues. These lawmakers are responsible to the people and may be removed from office through regular elections. A government in which people elect representatives is known as a republic. This is the system that we use in the United States. Voters select through elections who they wish to represent them at each level of government.Constitutional Monarchy is the limited form of Monarchy where the ruler’s power is limited by a Constitution. The ruler usually has to consult an elected assembly of the people or religious leaders. This form of government/political system evolved in England. Starting with the Magna Carta, the English monarch’s power has been limited. Overtime a representative assembly evolved and gained power over the Monarch. Today, England’s monarch has little power; most power resides in the elected body known as Parliament.Title: Chapter 1: Power of GovernmentSource: What Citizens Need to Know About Government Author: SIRS Publishing, Inc.Publication Date: 2003Page Number: n.p.Database: SIRS Interactive Citizenship Service: SIRS Knowledge Source <; Summarizing Forms of Government/Political SystemsDirections: Using the information provided, complete the chart below.DEMOCRATICForm of GovernmentWhat it isAdvantagesDisadvantagesDirectDemocracyRepresentative DemocracyConstitutional MonarchyAUTHORITARIAN-126997200900Most Restrictive/Rights not protectedLeast Restrictive/ Rights Protected-126997200900-126996781800Most Restrictive/Rights not protectedLeast Restrictive/ Rights Protected-126996781800Absolute MonarchyOligarchyDictatorshipApplying Political Forms/Types of GovernmentsDirections: Read each item below and decide which Political System it best represents-95242184401. __________________ One person rules, usually a military leader2. __________________ Power is inherited, the leader has all the power3. __________________ A small group of people have the power54273451282704. __________________ Sweden, Great Britain, Monaco, Australia, Canada5. __________________ Cuba, pre-war Iraq6. __________________ Saudi Arabia, European countries in the Middle Ages571512203457. __________________ The United States, Mexico, France, Germany8. __________________ people elect others to make decisions for them9. __________________ power is inherited, but shared with an elected legislature10. _________________ when one political party rules as a group11. _________________ believes they have the right to rule from God; they are the head of the country and the religion12. _________________ military is used to take and keep power56578507048513. _________________ people vote on all government decisions14. _________________ has free and open electionsDirections: Check the boxes that best describe each form of government. 170180012700Quick DecisionsSlower DecisionsIndividual Rights Few Indiv. Rights Free /Open electionsGovernment has all powerPeople have the Power170180012700DictatorshipOligarchyAbsolute MonarchyConstitutional MonarchyDirect DemocracyRepresentative DemocracyCharacteristics of Democracy5067300-9524Democratic governments are based on the consent of the governed – meaning that the people govern themselves either directly, or through people who they elect. All democratic governments share some basic characteristics: individual liberty, free and open elections, multiple political parties, majority rule with minority rights protected, free enterprise and an educated public. Individual liberty means that the government is limited in its power and works to protect the rights and freedoms of the citizens. In a democracy elections are held regularly; citizens are free to choose whichever candidate they like and there is a choice of candidates. Multiple political parties exist in democracies so that more than one point of view is represented, again giving the citizens a choice in who they want to govern them. Although the majority (more than 50%) makes decisions in a democracy, the rights of minorities are protected. Because of the free nature of the political system, most democracies also have a free economic system where individuals are encouraged to make their own economic decisions; this is known as free enterprise. Finally, a democratic system depends on an educated public to make decisions; for the system to work effectively, citizens must understand the system and be educated about the decision making process.Directions: First list the characteristics of a Democracy, then look at each illustration below and match it with its characteristic.Characteristics of Democracy:1143008890011430088900-19049825504791075215901. 3175001397003175001397001587500452120015875004521200317500574040031750057404002. 396240013970039624001397005705475711202857644453.3048001778003048001778004.26797008890026797008890015240084455496379571120 5.6. 266700127002667001270030099001524003009900152400SYSTEMS OF GOVERNMENT5802630-422274Directions: Read the information below and complete the activities that follow.There are three basic forms of government that characterize the way power is distributed or divided within a country: unitary, federal and confederate. A country's size often influences how it divides political power. In large countries, like the United States, Canada, Australia and Russia, power is shared between the central government and the governments of its regions: states, provinces or republics. This sharing of power is called a Federal System. Many small countries, such as England, France and other European countries have Unitary Systems of government in which the central government exercises most political power. Often small countries or political areas (states, regions, provinces) will ally (become friends) with one another for the purpose of group defense and trade. This alliance form of government is known as a confederate system. In this system each political area/country remains independent or sovereign, but agrees to give up some power to a national government to protect them and promote trade.The United States has experienced all three systems of government in our history. As a colony under King George III, the United States (or at that time American Colonies) had a unitary system of government. In this system the King and Parliament back in Britain made decisions for the colonies. Although the colonists had representative assemblies, their power was limited by that of the King and Parliament. Royal Governors were appointed by the king, not elected by the colonists. When the United States first broke off from Great Britain we created a representative democracy based on the confederate system. Under this system of government there was a weak national government for the purpose of national defense, dealing with foreign countries and promoting trade, and strong state governments that were responsible for making most of the government decisions. The national government did not have the power to tax, enforce laws or settle disagreements between the states. This caused many problems because the states acted in their own best interest and often had conflicts with one another. Trade became difficult because of a difference in tariffs (taxes on imported goods), different currencies (money), and state laws; this caused the economy to break down. A meeting of state delegates was held in Annapolis, Maryland to try and fix the problem; however, the group decided that a new Constitution needed to be written. In 1783 delegates met in Philadelphia to create this new Constitution; a federal system was created to distribute power between the states and national government. The federal system provided for power to be shared between the national and state governments, with the national government having supremacy (power) over the states. The national government was given more power than it had under the confederate system, including the power to tax. Many states were unhappy with the federal system; afraid that the federal (national) government would become too powerful. Eventually these states broke off and became the Confederate States of America; this started the Civil War.1. Complete the chart below.System of Government/DescriptionAdvantagesDisadvantagesApplying Systems of GovernmentDirections: Identify the government structure for each of the following characteristics; write the correct term in the space provided. Unitary Confederate Federal 1.____________________________ Strong central government makes all decisions2.____________________________ Loose alliance of states3.____________________________ Power is shared between national and state governments4.____________________________ Often authoritarian 5.____________________________ Weak or no central government6.____________________________ Created mostly for trade and defense purposes 7.____________________________ Absolute monarchies8.____________________________ Representative Democracies 9.____________________________ Head of state has complete control over the military10.____________________________ Most power is retained (kept) by the states 11.____________________________ The colonies under the rule of King George III12.____________________________ The newly free United States under the Articles of Confederation13.____________________________ The United States as it exists under the Constitution540194523050514.____________________________ Decision making process is very quick15.____________________________ Can be very unstable Parliamentary vs. Presidential Democracy6057900-20319976201-203199Directions: Read the selection and complete the activities that follow.There are two basic types of Representative Democracies: Parliamentary and Presidential. In England, with a long history of conflict between Parliament (their legislative branch) and the monarch, a parliamentary system evolved. In England and many of its former colonies, such as Canada and Australia, legislative and executive powers of government are both assigned to Parliament. The leader of the majority party in England's House of Commons (similar to our House of Representatives) is called the Prime Minister. The Prime Minister leads the country and makes all the major decisions. Therefore the legislative branch selects the leader of the executive branch. If Parliament is unhappy with the actions of the Prime Minister they can vote to have a new election, and the Parliament can elect a new Prime Minister. Parliamentary democracies are good in countries where there are many different political parties because they foster cooperation. In order for any one political party to control the executive branch, they must join with other parties to get enough votes in Parliament for their candidate to become Prime Minister. Therefore, parties which could not come to power on their own can still have a say in the government, and the government is accountable to all parties. Because of shifting alliances of political parties, parliamentary systems can sometimes be unstable, and take a while to form a government due to political disagreements. ?????A presidential system of government evolved in the United States and many of Spain's former Latin American colonies that modeled their governments on the U.S. Constitution. In a presidential system, the legislative and executive branches are individually elected by the people. Each branch has specific powers and can check and balance the power of the other branches in order to prevent abuses of power. Unfortunately, abuse of power can often occur in a presidential system because so much power is given to the executive branch of government. Representative democracy exits in both systems when popular elections are held regularly. Excerpted from: SIRS Knowledge Source1. Review each diagram below. Identify which diagram is Parliamentary and which is Presidential, label them in the space provided.11430039370011430039370039116003937003911600393700515620027940051562002794004876800279400487680027940045974002794004597400279400433070027940043307002794004051300279400405130027940030480027940030480027940059690027940059690027940088900027940088900027940011938002794001193800279400148590027940014859002794002235200279400VOTERS2235200279400825500254008255002540049911005080049911005080040132005080040132005080033655007620033655007620018923007620018923007620082550030480082550030480016510063500LEGISLATIVE BRANCH165100635002959100203200LEGISLATIVE BRANCH29591002032004876800203200EXECUTIVE BRANCH487680020320016510025400EXECUTIVE BRANCH165100254002. Complete the table below.ParliamentaryPresidentialAdvantagesDisadvantagesApplying Parliamentary and Presidential Democracies9526116204Case StudiesDirections: Read each case study below ; identify which type of democracy (Presidential or Parliamentary) is described and write the correct answer in the space provided.1. ___________________________ In Great Britain the legislative branch is elected directly by the people. The Prime Minister (the leader of the executive branch) is selected from the majority party in the House of Commons. There is no separation of powers between the legislative and executive branches.2. ___________________________ In Japan they have a legislature called the National Diet, which is made up of two houses: The House of Representatives and the House of Councilors. The House of Representatives elects the executive of the country. At any time they can call for a no confidence vote in the executive and have new elections.3. ___________________________ In Mexico the leader of the country or chief executive is directly elected. There is a legislative branch that is independent of the executive. Both branches have their own powers and can check and balance the powers of the other.4. ___________________________ In recent elections in Germany, it took more than 3 months to form a government because of political party disagreements. Since Germany has a multi-party (more than 2) system political parties had to ally with each other in order to get a majority vote in the legislature for the executive to be selected.603885010160CharacteristicsDirections: Read each characteristic and identify which type of democracy (Presidential or Parliamentary or both) is described; write the answer in the space provided.5. ___________________________ The people directly elect the legislative and executive branches.6. ___________________________ The people elect the head of the executive branch.7. ___________________________ The people directly elect the legislative branch.8. ___________________________ The legislative branch appoints the head of the executive banch.9. ___________________________ There is little to no separation of powers between executive and legislative branches.10. ___________________________ Prime Minister is selected by the Legislative branch.11. __________________________ The government can be dissolved by the executive and new elections can be held at any time.12. __________________________ Can be very unstable.13. __________________________ Invests equal power between the legislative and executive branches.14. __________________________ Can take a while to form a government because of disagreements.World Economic Systems76201-184149Throughout history people have struggled with the problem of limited resources. Economic systems have evolved to deal with this basic economic problem known as scarcity. An economic system allows a group of people to decide the basic economic questions of: What to produce? For whom to produce? and How to produce? The way in which a group of people decides these questions is an indication of the economic system under which they are working. Many different economic systems and theories have existed throughout history and across the globe, however 3 basic systems and theories can be identified; they include: Command, Market, and Traditional. The three major economic theories are Communism, Socialism and Capitalism.Traditional economic systems are perhaps the oldest and are based on a particular group’s customs and traditions. These systems are often found in tribal communities, and remnants of a traditional economy can be seen in the other two types of systems. Resources are owned by the tribe/tribal leaders and are allocated (given out) based on the customs and needs of the group. Custom dictates the economic opportunities within the community – for example if your father was a bricklayer then the male sons would be bricklayers. Life is simpler in this system since decisions are made for you; no worrying about your career path or education that has been predetermined by custom. Often these traditional systems can hold back economic growth. Customs can sometimes come in the way of allowing better economic decisions to be made; technology is often shunned in this economic system. Often these societies tend to be based on agrarian economic activities.A market economy allows buyers and sellers or “the Market” to determine the answers to the basic economic questions. By purchasing goods and services buyers signal to sellers that more of these items should be produced. When buyers choose not to purchase an item this signals to sellers that they should reduce production. Characteristics of this system include private ownership, individual initiative/ entrepreneurial spirit, free enterprise, competition, freedom of choice and profit/loss. Capitalism is the theory that advocates this economic system. Under this philosophy productive resources are privately owned and operated. Capital for production comes from private investors who want to make a profit in return. Government may promote competition and provide some public goods under this philosophy, but for the most part stays out of the economy. As capitalism evolved workers were often exploited due to lack of government regulation. Basic necessities were not provided because people were expected to work and provide these items for themselves. Gradually governments began to take a more active role in the market economy, making mixed-market economies – where the government provides some basic necessities and regulates the market (keeping it from depressions and high unemployment, providing protections for workers and consumers), while the consumers still keep their freedom of choice and private property.585787585090In command economic systems a central authority, usually the government, makes all decisions. State planners determine the needs of the community and allocate resources to fulfill these needs. There is little to no competition within this system and little to no private property ownership. Profit also does not exist within this system, and there is no entrepreneurial spirit. This system provides the basic needs for all the people (education, health care, jobs), but rarely more than that. This system has little to no economic growth and due to a lack of competition the quality of goods is often poor. Communism is a philosophy based on a command economic system, and was a reaction to the negative effects of the Capitalist system. In the Communist philosophy, all resources (used for production) are owned by the government. Resources are allocated by centralized planning, allowing the government to make all major economic decisions. Socialism is a philosophy that advocates a partial command system (it is the trade off between Communism and Capitalism). In the Socialist philosophy basic productive resources are government owned and operated, the rest are privately owned and operated. For example all transportation and communication systems are owned by the government, but the local car dealership is privately owned. The government plans ways to allocate resources in key industries including energy, agriculture and transportation. Like Communism, Socialism provides many social services including education, healthcare and jobs, however under Socialism, there is still some choice on the part of the people as to what type of education, healthcare and employment they want.Title: Chapter 1: Power of GovernmentSource: What Citizens Need to Know About Government Author: SIRS Publishing, Inc.Publication Date: 2003Page Number: n.p.Database: SIRS Interactive Citizenship Service: SIRS Knowledge Source <; Answering Economic Questions1-95249List the 3 Basic Economic Questions:1. 2. 3.Directions: Read each item below and decide which question is being addressed. Write How, Whom, or What on the line provided.__________________ The Chinese government tells business they need to use more computers in manufacturing goods.__________________ A company installs machines and lays off workers__________________ The government of Cuba sets national production goals__________________ The French government decides to provide new housing for lower income families.__________________ A toy company shifts from producing Xbox 360 to Playstation 3 because they will make more money__________________ Wal-Mart decides to lower prices to market to lower income families__________________ The US Government regulates employment of children__________________ The school cafeteria stops frying foods __________________ Skateboarding becomes a popular sport for teens so companies begin to produce more__________________ Germany tells the nuclear industry to increase the creation of electricity__________________ IPods and other MP3 players become popular; many websites are created for downloading music.__________________ Cell phones are becoming increasingly popular with teens; LG creates a new cellphone that is a camera, phone and MP3 player.__________________ The Cuban government requires farmers to decrease production of sugar cane and increase production of tobacco.__________________ A major shoe manufacturer requires all of its overseas factories to be safety inspected.__________________ An American toy company switches to low lead level paint used on children’s toys. ECONOMIC SYSTEMS Directions: Use the previous reading to complete the chart below. Then review each example and write the matching system in the space provided.Type of EconomyCharacteristicsAdvantagesDisadvantagesTRADITIONAL ECONOMYCOMMAND ECONOMYMIXED (Market) ECONOMYFREE MARKET ECONOMYApplying Economic Systems5457825172085Directions: Read each item below and decide which economic system (Market, Mixed-Market, Command or Traditional) is being identified; write the correct system in the space provided.1. __________________________ The government provides retirement pay and healthcare for all workers.2. __________________________ The government sets national production goals and prices of goods.3. __________________________ Supply and demand set the price of goods.4. __________________________ The basic economic questions are answered by the market.5. __________________________ Technological advancements encourage economic growth.6. __________________________ There is a strong emphasis on hunting and farming.7. __________________________ Competition and private property ownership are encouraged.8. __________________________ Large corporations compete for business.9. __________________________ Free trade is encouraged.10. _________________________ Inherited occupational roles.11. _________________________ The government requires licenses to practice certain professions such as teachers, doctors and lawyers.12. _________________________ The government provides job training programs and student loans for those in financial need.13. _________________________ The government gives tax breaks to encourage women and minority businesses 14. _________________________ Little technology; very little to no economic growth15. _________________________ Quality of goods is often poor due to no competition16. _________________________ The government provides all basic needs for the people: education, employment, healthcare.1075689285115Economic TheoriesThere are 3 basic economic theories that are used throughout the western world today: Capitalism, Communism and Socialism. Each of these three theories came about because of the conditions that the theorist saw in their society. The theory was meant to improve the economic conditions for all people based on the problems that were seen at that time in history.285767620Capitalism is the theory of Adam Smith, a Scottish philosopher writing during a time when the government controlled the economy using a system known as Mercantilism. Under the mercantile system there was no economic choice, the government made all decisions whether they were good for the people or not. Smith did not like this system and came up with a new system based on freedom. The basic idea of Capitalism is that through the freedom of making economic decisions an invisible hand would set the price of goods based on supply and demand. Production and distribution of goods would be dictated also by supply and demand. If consumers demanded more goods then production and distribution would increase to meet demand, or price would increase as the supply decreased. Goods that were not in demand would not be produced. Everyone had an equal opportunity to participate in the system, and private property ownership, entrepreneurship (creating your own business) were encouraged and government interference was discouraged; this concept of governmental hands-off was referred to as laissez-faire. Smith argued that the only time the government should interfere in the economy is in time of national crisis, to encourage competition by breaking up monopolies. This is the theory that we use in the United States, though our government interferes in the economy more than a government in a pure capitalist system would. To make this theory work a more free and open political system is required.44291256565905476875132715In the mid 1800’s most of Europe’s countries were experiencing an industrial revolution fueled by the rules of capitalism. Unfortunately, capitalism often resulted in no protection for workers, poor working conditions and overall exploitation of the working class. A class system of workers and bourgeoisie (owners) arose during this time. In reaction to the horrible working conditions, Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels wrote about a classless society where all factors of production were cooperatively owned by all the people and every one contributed equally to the betterment of all society. Marx advocated a revolution by the working class to overthrow the capitalist system and replace it with this new Communist system. China, Cuba, North Korea and Vietnam all identify themselves as Communist. In order to put this theory into action a more authoritarian political system is needed.Due to the radical nature of Communism and pressure from workers, governments had to make some reforms of Capitalism. Reform laws were passed in order to protect workers from business owners who mistreated them. Many countries embraced a compromise between Capitalism and Communism known as Socialism. Under the Socialist theory the government would own some factors of production – those that were essential – transportation, communication, energy and natural resources, while private ownership of businesses and property was also permitted. The goal of the government was to ensure that the basic needs of the people were being met: food, clothing, shelter, employment, healthcare, and that income was distributed more equally. Countries such as Canada, Great Britain, France and Germany embrace this socialist philosophy.Applying Economic TheoriesDirections: Complete the chart below, and then identify the economic theory for each of the following characteristics. (some characteristics may fit more than one theory)TheoryPersonGovernment’s Role in the EconomyCapitalismCommunismSocialism 1._______________ Freedom of Choice 2._______________ Social Services and equal distribution of wealth are the government’s goals 3._______________Private Ownership and control of property and economic resources 4._______________ Usually found in politically free societies 5._______________ Usually found in countries run by authoritarian governments 6._______________Public ownership of most land, of factories and of other means of production 7._______________ Competition is encouraged 8 ._______________Society controls all major decisions about production through the government 9._______________Possibility of Profit 10._______________All Factors of production are controlled by the government 11. _______________“Working men of all countries, Unite!”43053002286012. _______________“profit is wages stolen from the worker”13. _______________“abolition of private property”14. _______________Adam Smith15. _______________Karl MarxUnit 1B Founding the NationKey Vocabulary/Concepts:Principles of the Constitution:FederalismRule of lawMajority ruleSeparation of PowersChecks and BalancesLimited GovernmentPopular sovereigntyConsent of the GovernedDue Process (note this item is tested in multiple units, sometimes as a principle (substantive) and sometimes under Unit 4 law (procedural))Judicial review (this is tested as a separate principle as well as with the Marbury case – Unit 2 Judicial Branch)Documents: (other documents may be cited, but students do not need to know their origin or contents to answer the question)Bill of Rights (purpose – limit government)Magna CartaConstitutionDeclaration of IndependenceAmendments – expanding and limiting rightsFederalism/Powers:Federal supremacy Powers of federal vs. stateDelegated vs. Reserved Powers Focus Questions:What are the basic principles of the Constitution?How do the principles of the Constitution establish a limited form of government and protect rights?How do the founding documents illustrate the principles of the Constitution?How does the federal system work; what powers are assigned to each level of government?H.S.A. Test Strategies and Information:Principles of the ConstitutionThe principles of the Constitution are heavily tested. Usually an excerpt of a document, quote, headline, political cartoon or some other stimulus is used for you to identify the principle. DocumentsDocuments are almost always tested as an excerpt and you are asked to identify the principles in the documents, or compare a less familiar document that has been excerpted (Magna Carta, English Bill of Rights, MD Constitution) to one you should know ex: given an excerpt of the Magna Carta how is it similar to the Dec of Independence or Constitution. Documents are also compared for their similarities.MiscellaneousThe federal system is also tested in this unit. Amendments as a way to expand and limit government power/protection of rights, as well as powers that are distributed to state vs. federal governments and the supremacy of federal law are also tested.Founding Document Comparisons59150259525In the history of America there were many documents that influenced our system of government. Although the best known founding documents are: the Declaration of Independence, the US Constitution and the US Bill of Rights, these documents draw on others in English and European history including the Magna Carta, English Petition of Right, and English Bill of Rights. The concept of limited government, as well as many other principles, was not new to the Founding Fathers; it was a concept that they took from English and the European Enlightenment.In 1215 King John of England was forced by English nobles to sign the Magna Carta. This document was the first in a long line of documents that would increasingly limit the power of the English Monarch. The Magna Carta limited the power of the then Absolute Monarch, by requiring protections of the rights of nobles. These protections included: nobles were to be consulted on any new taxes, the King couldn’t take their land without due process of law, and they were entitled to a trial by a jury of their peers.161925630555In the latter half of the 1600’s England experienced a Civil War. Parliament was unhappy with the King’s increasing power and disregard for their concerns. Two important documents came about during this time: The English Petition of Right, and the English Bill of Rights. Both documents extended the protection of rights to English citizens. In the end, the Absolute Monarchy of England was replaced with a Constitutional Monarchy that severely limited the power of the king/queen.The first government in the American colonies established on the principle of the consent of the governed was at Plymouth Colony. The Mayflower Compact was the first document in the colonies establishing a limited government. All decisions for the colony would be made by majority vote (of the men only).Representative government was soon established throughout the American colonies. Each colony created a representative assembly using the concept of popular sovereignty, these assemblies were elected by the people. A royal governor was appointed to oversee each colony, and an independent judiciary was created. As the colonies grew economically and politically, they wanted to increase their power in government. Colonists were not directly represented in Parliament back in Britain (England), and as Britain increased its power over the colonies, the colonists grew more angry. The result was the American Revolution/ War for Independence. The new United States government announced the creation of its own nation through the Declaration of Independence. The purpose of this document was to explain why the colonists felt they needed to break with Britain. The document not only declares the independence of the 13 colonies, it also declares that government is derived from the consent of the governed, that natural law requires that all men are created equal and have the natural rights of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness from birth. This document also explained that the government’s primary purpose is to protect these rights and when a government doesn’t do this, it is the duty of the citizens to overthrow that government and establish a new government. This document did not set up a structure of government, only the basic principles upon which our government was to be founded.6124575215900The Articles of Confederation were used to establish the government structure and function during the early years of the United States. Under the Articles, the United States was a confederate form of government, where each state had sovereignty (self-rule), and a weak national government was created for economic purposes and collective protection. Due to the many weaknesses in the Articles they were replaced by the US Constitution in 1789. The Constitution created a federal form of government with a stronger national government. Although the Articles of Confederation and the Constitution used different forms of government (unitary & federal), the political system was the same – representative democracy. Under the Constitution, many principles from English documents were used, as well as new principles from the European Enlightenment. The Enlightenment was a time in Europe where much was written about how government should work. The Baron de Montesquieu, a French nobleman, supported the idea of separation of power and checks and balances. Montesquieu especially liked the British system of separating powers of government into 3 branches and then creating powers that each branch had over the other to check and balance the power. John Locke and Thomas Hobbes, both Englishmen, wrote about the social contract that existed between the government and the people (that the government’s end of the contract was to protect the rights of the people), Locke also discussed the concept of natural rights – life, liberty and property. Jean Jacques Rousseau, a Swiss philosopher, discussed the role of the citizen in government, the concepts of popular sovereignty and direct democracy; that the power of the government to rule rests in the people. A final concept: rule of law, was incorporated to provide for equality of all citizens. Under the rule of law, no matter who you are the law applies equally to all people. All of these concepts were incorporated into the Constitution.5943600405765057151-38099The Founding Fathers also included some basic protections within the Constitution as well. No Bills of Attainder were allowed under the new Constitution. This meant that Congress could not pass a law that specifically punished a person or a group of people (this was the power of the judicial branch only). Also, the writ of habeas corpus (the ability of prisoners to petition the government for a hearing) could not be suspended unless it was a national crisis or time of war. Ex post facto laws were also not permitted; these laws make an action illegal after the fact – it was legal at the time you engaged in the behavior. The final specific protection was against requiring a religious test for office. The government could not require public officials to be a specific religion.Many Americans, especially in the south did not trust the federal form of government created under the new Constitution even with the protections explained above. This group, known as the Anti-Federalists, refused to sign the document unless a Bill of Rights was added. Eventually the Federalists, those who supported the Constitution, agreed to add this Bill of Rights in order to get the Constitution ratified, but instead of a listing of rights, it was a listing of the limits of the power of government. The first 10 Amendments to the Constitution became known as the Bill of Rights. Within these amendments are protections of basic rights of paring & Identifying Founding Documents56102250Directions: Using the previous reading, complete the chart and activities that follow.DocumentDescription/PurposeMagna CartaEnglish Bill of RightsMayflower CompactDeclaration of IndependenceArticles of ConfederationUS ConstitutionUS Bill of Rights1. Which two documents set up the structure and function of the United States Government?2. Which document lists the limits on the powers of the United States Government in order to protect the rights of citizens?3. Which document established the first written government in the American colonies?4. Which documents from English history established a limited form of government?5. Which document had many problems and was replaced by the US Constitution?6. Which document explained why the American colonies wanted to break with Britain, and explained the concept of natural rights?7. How are the Magna Carta, English Bill of Rights, and US Bill of Rights similar?DOCUMENTS AND PRINCIPLES OF GOVERNMENTDIRECTIONS: Look at the excerpt and determine from the list below what principle(s) of government is illustrated by the quote.FederalismLimited GovernmentMajority RulePopular SovereigntyChecks & BalancesSeparation of PowersIndividual RightsRule of LawConsent of the GovernedEXCERPT/EXAMPLEPRINCIPLE(S) OF GOVERNMENTWe hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. Declaration of Independence— That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed…Declaration of IndependenceIn the future no bailiff shall upon his own unsupported accusation put any man to trial without producing credible witnesses to the truth of the accusation. Magna CartaNo freeman shall be taken, or imprisoned, or disseized [seized], or outlawed, or exiled, or in any way harmed--nor will we proceed against him or prosecute him--except by the lawful judgment of his peers or by the law of the land. Magna CartaArticle. I. - Section. 1. - All legislative Powers herein granted shall be vested in a Congress of the United States, which shall consist of a Senate and House of Representatives.U.S. ConstitutionSection. 2. - The House of Representatives shall be composed of Members chosen every second Year by the People of the several States, and the Electors in each State shall have the Qualifications requisite for Electors of the most numerous Branch of the State Legislature.U.S. ConstitutionThe Senate shall have the sole Power to try all Impeachments. U.S. ConstitutionWhen the President of the United States is tried, the Chief Justice shall preside: And no Person shall be convicted without the Concurrence of two thirds of the Members present.U.S. ConstitutionAll Bills for raising Revenue shall originate in the House of Representatives; but the Senate may propose or concur with Amendments as on other Bills.U.S. ConstitutionEvery Bill which shall have passed the House of Representatives and the Senate, shall, before it become a Law, be presented to the President of the United States: If he approve he shall sign it, but if not he shall return it, with his Objections to that House in which it shall have originated, who shall enter the Objections at large on their Journal, and proceed to reconsider it.U.S. ConstitutionSection. 10. - No State shall enter into any Treaty, Alliance, or Confederation; grant Letters of Marque and Reprisal; coin Money; emit Bills of Credit; make any Thing but gold and silver Coin a Tender in Payment of Debts; pass any Bill of Attainder, ex post facto Law, or Law impairing the Obligation of Contracts, or grant any Title of Nobility.U.S. ConstitutionDocuments and Principles Continued673100-1708145282565117475FederalismLimited GovernmentMajority RulePopular SovereigntyChecks & BalancesSeparation of PowersIndividual RightsRule of LawConsent of the GovernedEXCERPT/EXAMPLEPRINCIPLE(S) OF GOVERNMENTArticle. II. - Section. 1. - The executive Power shall be vested in a President of the United States of America. U.S. ConstitutionSection. 2. - The judicial Power shall extend to all Cases, in Law and Equity, arising under this Constitution, the Laws of the United States…to Controversies between two or more States;-- between a State and Citizens of another State …and between a State, or the Citizens thereof, and foreign States, Citizens or Subjects. U.S. ConstitutionArticle. VI (6). - This Constitution, and the Laws of the United States which shall be made in Pursuance thereof; and all Treaties made, or which shall be made, under the Authority of the United States, shall be the supreme Law of the Land; and the Judges in every State shall be bound thereby…U.S. ConstitutionAmendment XIV (14) - No State shall make or enforce any law which shall abridge the privileges or immunities of citizens of the United States; nor shall any State deprive any person of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law; nor deny to any person within its jurisdiction the equal protection of the lawsU.S. ConstitutionAmendment XV (15) - The right of citizens of the United States to vote shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any State on account of race, color, or previous condition of servitude—U.S. ConstitutionAmendment XIX (19) - The right of citizens of the United States to vote shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any State on account of sex.U.S. ConstitutionPreamble -- We the People of the United States of America…U.S. ConstitutionAmendment X (10) - The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the States, are reserved to the States respectively, or to the people.U.S. ConstitutionAmendment I - Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.U.S. ConstitutionThat the subjects which are Protestants may have arms for their defence suitable to their conditions and as allowed by law;English Bill of Rights 1689That the People of this State ought to have the sole and exclusive right of regulating the internal government and police thereofMaryland Constitution November 1776That election of members of Parliament ought to be free;English Bill of Rights 1689Real World PrinciplesDirections: Read each headline below and identify which principle of the Constitution is best illustrated. Write the correct answer in the space provided; there may be more than one principle that correctly fits the answer. Possible choices: Popular Sovereignty, Judicial Review, Checks and Balances, Federalism, Individual Rights.177800152400Maryland Voters Elect New Governor177800152400504190063500State Law Conflicts with Federal Civil Rights Act50419006350029845000Supreme Court to Review Constitutionality of Terrorist Suspects’ Detentions298450001. ______________________________3. __________________________2. _____________________30480012700President Vetoes Troop Pull-out Plan30480012700342900050800Impeachment Charges PendingDid President Commit Perjury?3429000508004. _________________________________5. ____________________________________2717800139700Federal Wiretapping of American Terror Suspects Found Unconstitutional271780013970017780088900Teen Released from Jail; Police Coerced Confession17780088900482600025400Federal Government Passes New Education Reform Bill Requiring States to Comply or Lose Funding4826000254006. __________________________7. ___________________________ 8. _____________________________CONSTITUTION SCAVENGER HUNT5562600-305434Directions: Use a copy of the Constitution to answer the following questions.Article IWhat is the subject of Article I of the U.S. Constitution?How often are Representatives elected?What are the qualifications for anyone running for Representative? How often are senators elected?592518544450What are the qualifications for anyone running for the senator?Who is the president of the Senate?When is the leader of the Senate allowed to vote?Which legislative body has the power of impeachment and which legislative body has the power to hold the trial for impeachment?How many votes are necessary to convict someone who has been impeached?Where do all money bills originate (begin)?List six of the enumerated powers of Congress.12. When can the writ of habeas corpus be suspended?Article II13. What are the qualifications needed to be elected president?14. List three powers of the President.521335017145015. Who has to ratify a treaty made by the President? Article III4629150-36131416. What is the term for a Supreme Court justice?17. Treason is the only crime explained in the Constitution. Explain the way to convict a person of treason.Article V18. How can Congress propose an Amendment to the Constitution?19. How can the states ratify an Amendment to the Constitution?Article VII20. How many states must ratify the Constitution before it became law?Summarizing InformationUse the Constitution and the answers to the questions above to complete the chart below.BranchLegislativeExecutiveJudicialOverall PurposeTitles of People PowersExpanding or Limiting RightsThe Amendment process allows the Constitution to change as time goes by. What was once acceptable in the past may no longer be today (ex: slavery). The founders placed into the Constitution a means to change the document if needed. Before the document was even ratified it was amended – these first 10 Amendments are known as the Bill of Rights. Throughout our more than 200 years the Constitution has only been amended 27 times including the Bill of Rights. Directions: Review each of the Amendments or proposed amendments listed below, summarize them check if they expanded or limited rights and explain your answer.DescriptionExpandLimitExplainBill or Rights13th Amendment14th Amendment15th AmendmentDescriptionExpandLimitExplain18th Amendment19th Amendment21st Amendment24th Amendment26th AmendmentProposed Amendment on flag BurningProposed Amendment banning Same Sex marriageFederalism/PowersWhen the US Constitution was written, multiple levels of government already existed: national, state, and local. This new structure or form of government created a stronger national or federal government that oversaw the entire nation and was the Supreme law of the land. Powers were delegated directly to the federal government, there were also specific powers that were reserved to the states alone, and there were powers that were shared concurrently between the different levels of government. There were also powers that were denied to all levels of government by the Constitution including: no Bills of Attainder (Congress cannot pass a law that punishes a person/group -- this is the power of the judicial branch, no ex post facto laws – the legislative branch cannot make something illegal then apply that law to an event that occurred before the law was passed, the government cannot require that a person be of a specific religion in order to hold a public office. Directions: review the diagram below and answer the questions on the page that follows.422910071120176530063500Federal Powers17653006350046990012700Declare WarRegulate interstate and foreign commerce (trade)Maintain an army, navy, and air forcePrint and coin moneyEnforce all federal lawsConduct foreign affairsReview Constitutionality of lawsHear cases involving the Constitution, treaties, disputes between states, ambassadorsCreate the federal court system46990012700518160050800Denied Powers518160050800469900101600Levy and Collect TaxesMake, enforce and interpret lawsPunish LawbreakersProtect the rights of citizensPardon and reprieve prisonersEstablish and maintain courtsDetermine voter qualificationsConduct ElectionsGovern marriage and divorce laws469900101600490220088900Bills of AttainderEx Post Facto LawsTax exportsGrant Titles of NobilityReligious test for office490220088900-8889963500Concurrent Powers-888996350025401330200State Powers254013302003810181915Powers of FederalismDirections: Using the box below label each action with its appropriate power.673100101600Delegated Powers/Federal Reserved Powers/StateConcurrent Powers/Both Denied Powers6731001016001. ________________________ Print dollar bills52832001371602. ________________________ Conduct elections3. ________________________ Set up courts to punish lawbreakers4. ________________________ Place taxes on exports5. ________________________ make laws6. ________________________ send troops to war7. ________________________ decide who can vote and who cannot5587365889008. ________________________ decide how old you have to be to get married9. ________________________ appoint foreign ambassadors10. _______________________ levy taxes on imports11. _______________________ collect taxes12. _______________________ pardon federal criminals13. _______________________ reprieve criminals who have broken state laws14. ______________________ sign treaties with other countries56324509969515. ______________________ draft citizens into the armed forces16. ______________________ review the constitutionality of federal laws17. ______________________ set a waiting period before receiving a divorce18. ______________________ settle problems/disputes between the statesChecks and Balances5276850-399414The framers of the Constitution were fearful of the national government becoming too powerful, so they developed a system of checks and balances that allowed each of the three branches of government to check the power of the others. Each branch was given one unchecked power, but all other powers exercised by any branch can be checked by the others. The unchecked powers are: Legislative – power of impeachment – only the legislative can bring the charges and try public officials, their decision is final – neither of the other two branches can do anything about it; Executive – pardons – the President can pardon whomever s/he chooses, and for any reason, once the pardon is made there is nothing the Legislative Branch can do because Bills of Attainder are unconstitutional and the Judicial Branch cannot hear the case again because of the prohibition against double jeopardy in the 5th Amendment; the Judicial Branch has the power of acquittal – which is to find someone not guilty of a crime – again the Legislative cannot do anything because Bills of Attainder are unconstitutional, and the Executive cannot bring charges again because of 5th Amendment protection against Double Jeopardy. Each of these unchecked powers actually benefits the public by protecting rights, whereas the other checked powers could more easily be abused to take away the people’s rights.85726328295Source: www2.semo.eduChecks and Balances Questions5972810-304164Directions: Use the chart on the previous page to complete the table ernment ActionHow is this power checked and by which branches?Congress Passes a LawThe President Negotiates a TreatyThe President signs an Executive OrderThe President nominates justices for the Supreme CourtThe Supreme Court misinterprets a law passed by CongressThe President pardons a political friendThe President nominates new Cabinet membersThe President creates a budget.The President abuses his powerA federal justice misuses his/her powerThe President vetoes a lawCongress brings impeachment charges against the PresidentUnit 2A Legislative Branch – Federal & StateKey Vocabulary/Concepts:Powers – making lawsSenators/RepresentativesCensusPolitical representation; impact of population shiftsCongressMaryland General AssemblyRedistrictingElastic clauseCongressional Oversight (spending)McCulloch v. MarylandFocus Questions:How is the national legislative branch structured and what are its powers?How is the state legislative branch structured and what are its powers?What are the similarities in national and state legislative branches?How do the other branches check the power of the legislative and how does the legislative check the powers of the other branches?Why is the census important and how does it impact representation in Congress?How do shifts in population impact legislative actions?What is the elastic clause and how has it impacted the power of Congress?How did the case of McCulloch vs. Maryland impact the powers of Congress?H.S.A. Test Strategies and Information:This unit is not heavily tested on the exam, but there are some key concepts that appear consistently on each exam. It is important that you know and understand the basic structure and function of each branch as well as the titles of individuals in each branch and their powers (i.e. Representative, Senator, Congress, Maryland General Assembly, House of Delegates, MD Senate). The powers of the legislative branch and the limits on powers are emphasized on the exam. In this branch there is almost always a question on the impact of population shifts on representation, as well as the purpose of the census. The court case McCulloch v. Maryland has shown up on many exams. The concept of Federalism is also important to understand as it relates to the McCulloch case. Structure and Function of Legislative Bodies5073650-513714Part I. Directions: Use the diagrams below to answer the questions that follow each.45720012700THE US CONGRESSThe House of Representatives435 Members (based on state population)25 Years Old2 Year TermSpeaker of the House Presides over ProceedingsThe US Senate100 Members (2 per state)30 Years Old6 Year TermVice President of the US is the President of the Senate or President Pro Tem Presides over ProceedingsMakes LawsConducts Hearings on BillsDeclares WarRatifies TreatiesConfirms Presidential AppointmentsTries Charges of ImpeachmentAmends the Constitution with a 2/3rds votePOWERSMakes LawsConducts Hearings on BillsDeclares WarCreates all Revenue/Tax BillsBrings Charges of ImpeachmentAmends the Constitution with 2/3rds voteElects the President of the US if no one receives majority of Electoral vote457200127001. In what ways are the House of Representatives and the US Senate similar? (list at least 3)2. In what ways are the House of Representatives and the US Senate different? (list at least 5)3. Is power equally shared by both houses of Congress? Explain your answer.Part II. Directions: Use the diagram below to answer the questions that follow.685800342900THE MARYLAND GENERAL ASSEMBLYThe MD House of Delegates141 Members (3 from each district – districts based on population)21 Years Old4 Year TermHouse Speaker Presides over Proceedings with the Speaker Pro TemThe MD Senate47 Members (1 from each district – districts based on population)25 Years Old4 Year TermPresident of Senate with the President Pro TemMakes LawsCreates Special Taxing DistrictsCan Amend the MD Constitution with a 3/5ths voteTries the impeachment 2/3rds must approveElects the state treasurerSenate President serves at Lt. Governor when neededPOWERSMakes LawsCreates Special Taxing DistrictsCan Amend the MD Constitution with a 3/5ths voteImpeaches judges and officers of the state – all members must approveElects the state treasurerElects the Governor and Lt. Governor if there is a tie6858003429004933950-285114Information on this chart was derived from mdarchives.state.md1. What are the two houses that make up the Maryland General Assembly?2. How is the Maryland House of Delegates different from the Maryland Senate? (list at least 3 differences)3. How is the Maryland House of delegates similar to the Maryland Senate? (list at least 3 similarities)Part III. Directions: Use the diagrams below to compare the National and State Legislative Branches; answer the questions that follow.228600152400THE US CONGRESSThe House of Representatives435 Members (based on state population)25 Years Old2 Year TermSpeaker of the House Presides over ProceedingsThe US Senate100 Members (2 per state)30 Years Old6 Year TermVice President of the US is the President of the Senate or President Pro Tem Presides over ProceedingsMakes LawsConducts Hearing on BillsDeclares WarRatifies TreatiesConfirms Presidential AppointmentsTries Charges of ImpeachmentAmends the Constitution with a 2/3rds votePOWERSMakes LawsConducts Hearings on BillsDeclares WarCreates all Revenue/Tax BillsBrings Charges of ImpeachmentAmends the Constitution with 2/3rds voteElects the President of the US if no one receives majority of Electoral voteTHE MARYLAND GENERAL ASSEMBLYThe MD House of Delegates141 Members (3 from each district – districts based on population)21 Years Old4 Year TermHouse Speaker Presides over Proceedings with the Speaker Pro TemThe MD Senate47 Members (1 from each district – districts based on population)25 Years Old4 Year TermPresident of Senate with the President Pro TemMakes LawsCreates Special Taxing DistrictsCan Amend the MD Constitution with a 3/5ths voteTries the impeachment 2/3rds must approveElects the state treasurerSenate President serves at Lt. Governor when neededPOWERSMakes LawsCreates Special Taxing DistrictsCan Amend the MD Constitution with a 3/5ths voteImpeaches judges and officers of the state – all members must approveElects the state treasurerElects the Governor and Lt. Governor if there is a tie228600152400Information on this chart was derived from mdarchives.state.md1. List 5 similarities between the US Congress and the Maryland General Assembly.2. List 5 Differences between the US Congress and the Maryland General Assembly.The Make-up of the Legislative Branch - Review1. What is the overall purpose of the Legislative Branch?2. Compare the State and National Legislative Branches below. Label which one is state and which is National.FederalVs.StateTitle of BranchDivisions within the branchTypes of laws they deal withPart II. National Legislative Up CloseHouseVs.Senate# /StateTitle of Person ServingDifferencesMcCulloch v. Maryland (1819)4535170-180974Background of the case:Congress chartered the Second Bank of the United States in April of 1816. The First Bank of the United States charter had run out in 1811 before the end of the War of 1812. Congress had debated re-chartering the bank based on issues of its constitutionality. Many people objected to a national bank because they thought it harmed state and local economies and gave the national government too much power. Maryland passed a law in 1818 which tried to get rid of the Second Bank of the United States and its competition with Maryland banks. The law imposed a tax on the national bank. James McCulloch of the Baltimore branch of the national bank refused to pay the tax. Maryland filed suit against the bank and McCulloch for not paying the tax. McCulloch lost the case in the Maryland Court of Appeals. McCulloch then brought the case to the U.S. Supreme Court in an attempt to reverse the decision. The Constitutional Issue: Does Congress have the power to charter a national bank? Does any state have the constitutional right to tax an agency of the United States government?Ruling: The Supreme Court decided in favor of McCulloch stating two Constitutional issues: first, the creation of a national bank was within the implied powers of the Congress. Article I allows Congress the power to pass legislation that is “necessary and proper” (elastic clause) for carrying out other functions of the government. According to the Constitution, a national bank was necessary in order to create and coin national currency, collect taxes, borrow money, and other functions. These functions fall under the delegated powers of Congress. The second constitutional issue was based on the question should the state of Maryland have the right to tax the national bank? A state taxing a federal institution would violate Article VI of the Constitution making the federal government supreme to the states. If the state was allowed to tax the national bank it would make the state superior not only to the national government, but to the other states. This would be a violation of the Constitution. The Supreme Court declared the act of Maryland taxing a national bank unconstitutional and void. The Impact: of the decision supports the issue of federalism. The national government is supreme to the states, allowing Congress to use its implied powers to carry out the delegated powers in the Constitution. McCulloch v. Maryland supports the supremacy clause allowing Congress to have power over the states. Adapted from Historic Supreme Court Cases and McCulloch v. Maryland caseDirections: Complete the questions after reading the case.What is the issue before the Supreme Court? (Remember the issue is always stated in the form of a question.)What are the facts of the case? (Who was involved? What happened?)What was the decision of the Supreme Court? What was the Court’s reasoning?Explain the significance (importance) of the case.What do you think Chief Justice John Marshall meant by his quote “The power to tax is the power to destroy?” Explain your answer by using this Supreme Court case.Making it Stretch5412105104775The Founding Fathers created three specific branches of government in order to separate power so that no one branch would become too powerful. However, the peoples’ branch – the Legislative was vested with the most enumerated (written down) powers. This branch is outlined in the first Article of the Constitution. Although Congress was delegated many powers, there was no way to know what new powers might be needed. Since the amendment process was long and difficult, and the founders recognized the need for the document to be flexible or it would break, they included in Article 1 Section 8 the following statement, “to make all Laws which shall be necessary and proper for carrying into Execution the foregoing Powers… The purpose of this “necessary and proper” clause was to allow the Constitution to stretch to cover the powers that Congress needed. The clause is often referred to as the Elastic Clause because, like elastic, it stretches the Constitution. The powers that Congress asserts under the Elastic Clause/Necessary and Proper Clause are known as implied powers. Congress cannot make up a power that is not already listed in Constitution, but they can more clearly define those powers. For example: Congress has the power to raise an army and navy – this is a delegated/enumerated power, however the way that Congress raises this army and navy is not explained, therefore Congress can use the power of the draft which is implied by the original power. Other powers specifically delegated to Congress/enumerated in the Constitution include: collecting taxes, coining money, creating a postal service, regulating interstate trade, naturalizing citizens, dealing with bankruptcies, counterfeiting and piracy, issuing copyrights and patents, establishing the federal courts, declaring war, creating rules for the armed forces, organizing a militia/national guard, and creating laws for the District of Columbia.Enumerated (it is listed in the Constitution) PowersImplied Powers – What can they do because of the power that was listed?Raise an ArmyDraft people to serve in the militaryUsing the Elastic ClauseDirections: Read each item below. Decide whether it is an original power of Congress, or a use of the Elastic Clause. Write “O” for Original and “EC” for Elastic Clause.430530001. _______ creating the U.S. Postal Service2. _______ the Americans with Disabilities Act3. _______ using the draft during Vietnam4. _______ confirming cabinet members for a new President5. _______ Declaring war on Iraq.6. _______ banning same sex marriages7. _______ promoting minority participation in the economy through Affirmative Action8. _______ making the new $10 bill9. _______ ratifying the Nuclear Test Ban Treaty10. ______ appropriate funding for stem cell research11. _______ raising taxes to generate more revenue12. ______ holding hearings and confirming the nomination of John Roberts for the Supreme Court500380013271513. ______ overriding the President’s veto of a bill14. ______ appropriating funds for a new group of battleships15. ______ regulating education through the No Child Left Behind Act16. ______ setting a national speed limit of 55 mph17. ______ setting minimum fines and imprisonment terms for pirating movies and music18. ______ allowing patents to be issued for 25 year periods19. ______ requiring all pillows to have tags on them20. ______ setting minimum fines and prison terms for counterfeitingThe Make-up of the Legislative BranchThe Legislative Branch of government is made up of elected officials. When the federal government was created two houses of Congress were formed – one to represent the states – the Senate, and the other to represent the people – the House of Representatives. Representation was a major issue during the development of the Constitution. Small states wanted equal representation and large states wanted representation based on population. The compromise was that states would have equal representation in the Senate, and that the people would have equal representation in the House (this meant that representation in the House would be based on a state’s population and would not be a fixed number per state). In order to set representation, the Constitution provided for the population to be counted every 10 years, this is known as the census.The result of the census is often disputed by states for fear of losing representation in the House, which means a loss of power for the state at the national level. Originally each state got at least one Representative, with states receiving additional representatives for every 30,000 people. Eventually the House ran out of room for additional Representatives, so in 1929 they fixed the number of seats permanently at 435. Now the number of people represented by each Representative has grown, instead of the number of seats in the House. Reapportionment of the House seats is done after the census. If your state lost population and another state gained population, or if other states gained people faster than yours, you would lose representation in the House. It is then up to the states to redistrict based on the number of representatives they have been apportioned. In Maryland redistricting boundaries are created by the MD General Assembly. These redistricting plans can become very controversial, because the political party that is in power tends to want to stay in power, so they will often draw the districts to best suit their needs. This practice of purposely drawing districts to keep a group in or out of power is known as Gerrymandering. Gerrymandered districts are easy to see because they are not compact, uniform or contiguous (which means some parts don’t touch).In the past some states refused to redistrict, or just had not done so in a long time. Unfortunately, this caused many people to be under or over represented because of population shifts within a state. In Tennessee by the 1960s many people had moved from rural areas to cities, however the state never redistricted even though the rural population had become very small. In the case Baker vs. Carr, the Supreme Court ruled that states must redistrict every 10 years in order to assure equal representation of all the people.Who’s in the House?5304155247015Directions: Use the previous reading to define and/or explain the following terms.MD General Assembly – 367665071120Census – 228600-240029 Reapportionment –Redistrict - Gerrymandering –Based on the map, which district has been Gerrymandered? Explain your answer. Reapportionment – Dividing the PieDirections: Use the graphic below to answer the questions that follow.1. List 3 states that lost seats in the House of Representatives.2. List 3 states that gained seats in the House of Representatives.3. What region(s) of the country is/are losing seats? Why do you think this region may be losing seats?4. What region(s) of the country is/are gaining seats? Why do you think this region may be gaining seats?5. Why is the census important?Redistricting & GerrymanderingDirections: Read the excerpt below and evaluate the cartoon. Use both to answer the questions that follow.State legislatures have the responsibility of redrawing congressional districts after every census, a process known as reapportionment. Controlling parties in some legislatures have been known to draw some very odd-shaped districts. They try to create as many districts as possible with a majority of voters from their party and to draw as few districts as possible where a majority of voters are from the minority party. This manipulative practice is known as gerrymandering. The term has its origin in early nineteenth century Massachusetts when Governor Elbridge Gerry and the state legislature drew a district in one area of the state that looked just like a salamander. 'Gerry' was combined with 'salamander' to name the practice gerrymandering. In 1962, the Supreme Court ruled against gerrymandering in the case of Baker v. Carr.Excerpted from: SIRS Knowledge Source1. Put the following steps of the districting process in order: Redistricting, Census, Reapportionment2. Who is responsible for drawing congressional districts? 3. Why does Gerrymandering happen?4. What Supreme Court case outlawed the practice of Gerrymandering?5. Based on the cartoon, what is the artist’s view on Gerrymandering? Do you agree or disagree – explain.How a Bill Becomes a LawDirections: Use the diagram below to answer the questions that follow.1. Where can bills be proposed?2. Where must money bills originate?3. What happens once a bill is introduced?4. List at least 4 different people involved in the law making process.5. What happens to a bill if there are two different versions?6. What is the final step in the Law making process?7. Describe the role of citizens in the law making process.Source: SIRS Knowledge Source – Interactive CitizenshipUnit 2B Executive Branch – Federal & StateKey Vocabulary and Concepts:Powers of President and Governor; limits on these powers (War Powers Act)Executive OrdersVetoDepartment Heads (these have only been used as distracters): Sec of Treasury, Secretary of State, Secretary of DefenseFocus Questions:What are the powers of the President and Governor; how are they similar/different?How is the power of the President checked by the other branches of government, and how does it check the power of the other branches?What is the purpose of an executive order and why are they important?What is the purpose of the Cabinet?H.S.A. Test Strategies and InformationThere are quite a few questions on the exam about the executive branch of government; in particular the expansion and limits on its powers. It is important to know the structure, function and powers of the national and state executive branches (President, Governor, Cabinet, Departments). Executive always tests Executive Orders, department titles have only been tested as distracters where the answer is either the President, Supreme Court, or Senator, and they give the title of a department in order to distract you from the correct paring Executive Roles: National & StatePart I. Directions: Read the information on the chart below and use it to answer the questions on the next page.FEDERALSTATEPresidentServes a 4 year term in officeElected by the Electoral CollegeMust be 35 years old and a natural born citizen of the U.S.Approves or vetoes bills passed by CongressCommands the armed forcesDevelops foreign policyAppoints ambassadors and federal judgesProposes laws and programs to CongressPrepares the federal budgetGrants pardons and reprievesAdministers federal programs and services through Cabinet departmentsIssues executive orders that have the effect of lawGovernorServes a 4 year term in officeElected directly by the people in the stateMust be 30 years old and a resident for 5 yearsApproves or vetoes bills passed by General AssemblyControls state police force and militia/National GuardDevelops state policyAppoints judges and state commission membersProposes laws and programs to the General AssemblyPrepares the state budgetGrants pardonsAdministers work of executive departmentsVice PresidentSame term and qualifications as PresidentPresides over SenatePerforms duties delegated by PresidentSubstitutes in absence of President and/or replaces President in event of inability to complete term of officeLt. GovernorSame term and qualifications as GovernorPerforms duties delegated by GovernorSubstitutes in absence of Governor and/or replaces Governor in event of inability to complete term of officeAdministers programs and servicesSecretary of the Treasury(not a comparable office to Comptroller, but manages both the Treasurer of the United States and the Comptroller of the Currency within the Department of the Treasury)Comptroller4 year termManages state revenuesEnforces collection of taxes and revenuesUnited States Attorney GeneralRepresents the United States in courtAdvises the President and other federal officials on legal mattersAttorney General4 year term, resident for 10 yearsRepresents state in court casesAdvises state officials on legal mattersRules on fine points in election lawsComparing Executive RolesPart II. Directions: Use the information on the page titled “Comparing Executive Roles” to complete the activities that follow.Use the V Diagram below to compare the similarities and differences between federal and state executives.4572000101600STATE4572000101600800100101600FEDERAL800100101600-7619938100-76199381003238500508003238500508002679700-126992679700-12699260350063500SIMILARTIES260350063500444500114300444500114300 How is the office of the President different from the Governor?Identifying Executive Roles: National & State5659755-152399Directions: Review each statement and decide which elected official is described. Write the title of the office on the line provided – NOTE: the description may fit more than one official, record all that applies. USE THE CHART ON PAGE 46!___________________________ creates budget for the country___________________________ vetoes bills___________________________ enforces the collection of state taxes___________________________ appoints new ambassadors___________________________ develops foreign policy___________________________ advises state officials in legal matters___________________________ plans management of state revenues___________________________ controls state police and militia___________________________ serves a 4 year term and is directly elected___________________________ represents the state in court cases___________________________ enforces collection of taxes and revenues___________________________ presides over Senate___________________________ advises the executive on legal matters___________________________ controls state police force and militia/Nat’l Guard___________________________ grants pardons and reprieves___________________________ represents the United States in court1637665326390“Hats/Roles of the Executive”Directions: First identify whose job the statement reflects – the President or the Governor. Then use the graphic to cite the role that the executive is using.4000500373380Meeting with Arab oil leaders to establish a more stable price for oil.Delivering the State of the State Address in front of the General Assembly. Telling Congress he wants to raise the minimum wage.Sending the National Guard to help out flooding victims in Maryland.Throwing out the first pitch at the World Series opening game.Signing a bill sent to him by the General Assembly.Choosing a member of his party to serve as Secretary of State.Making a patriotic speech on Veteran’s Day.Holding a cabinet meeting to discuss the War on Terror.Traveling to Frederick to campaign for the up coming elections.506730050800Source: SIRS Knowledge Source506730050800Meeting with labor leaders to discuss a strike by airline employees. Greeting visitors to the White House.Awarding commission to those who have recently graduated from the Naval Academy.Hosting a party in honor of the Prime Minister of England.Executive OrdersThe President of the United States has many powers that aid him in carrying out the duties of the office. One of the most important powers is that of issuing executive orders. An executive order has the force of law, and is issued by the President to specify how a law will be carried out. Although this gives the President power to make law, the executive order must be attached to a law that was already made by the Legislative Branch. This power can be checked by both the Legislative and Judicial branches. By creating executive orders the President helps fulfill the basic purposes or functions of government: maintain social order, make economic decisions, protecting the environment, national security, providing social services.Directions: Read the headlines below, then identify which purpose of government is being addressed by the Executive action in the headline.4229100127000Bush Authorizes Wire Taps of Suspected Terrorists422910012700045720038100President Signs Order to Set Aside 10,000 Acres of Land in Utah for National Parks457200381004660900381004660900381005461001016005461001016002. _______________________________546100254005461002540045847000Eisenhower Calls up 101st Airborne to Protect Students in Little Rock Arkansas458470001. __________________________________4660900046609000182880088900Clinton Orders Troops to Somalia1828800889004724400508004724400508003. ________________________________4. ________________________________435610050800President Freezes Prices and Wages for 90 Days435610050800762000127000Nixon Stops Draft 7620001270008763001143008763001143005. _________________________________6. __________________________________The President’s Cabinet5724525-152399Starting with George Washington, every President of the United States has had advisors to help carry out the duties of the office. The first “Cabinet” of advisors included Secretaries of State, Treasury and War (now Defense), and an Attorney General. As the nation grew, so did the duties of the President, therefore more executive departments were created to handle the extra work. In order to create a new executive department, the President must ask Congress for approval. Then the President must nominate a person who will head that department; this nomination must be confirmed by the Senate. Following is a list of cabinet departments and their primary functions.State Department – Deals with Foreign Relations with Other CountriesTreasury Department – Deals with the Nation’s Finances, coining moneyDepartment of Defense – Deals with the Nation’s military and national defense.Attorney General Department of Justice – Top law enforcement office in the nation.Department of the Interior – National Parks and Natural ResourcesDepartment of Agriculture – Farming, crop production and food safetyDepartment of Commerce – regulating tradeDepartment of Labor – working conditionsDepartment of Health and Human Services – Public Health, Welfare programsDepartment of Housing and Urban Development – affordable housing for the poor, issues in developing citiesDepartment of Transportation – Roads, highways, bridges, airways, patrolling the seasDepartment of Energy – development of new energy resources, regulation of energy industryDepartment of Education – national education policyDepartment of Veterans Affairs – runs VA hospitals, provides services for VeteransDirections: Read each issue below and decide which department would deal with that issue.IssueDepartment1. Government Grants Money to Minority Owned Businesses2. The Consumer Product Safety Commission Recalls Millions of Defective ToysMinimum Wage RaisedGovernment Provides Help to Drought Stricken FarmersFood and Drug Administration Approve new Drug for CancerNo Child Left Behind Act Requires Testing of all StudentsPublic Housing Project Torn Down and Replaced with Moderate Income HousingNew Highway Bill Requires National Speed Limit of 55 mphGovernment Sends Humanitarian Aide to AfghanistanPresident Removes Troops from SomaliaGovernment Prosecutes TerroristsNuclear Regulatory Commission passes New RulesSoldiers Returning From Iraq Suffer Post Traumatic Stress DisorderGovernment Creates New Bills to stop CounterfeitingWork Day Shortened to 8 HoursTariffs Increased on Imported LumberUnit 2C Judicial Branch – Federal & StateKey Terms and ConceptsPowers of the Supreme Court; Marbury vs. Madison Federal vs. State Court JurisdictionAppointments (life = independent judiciary)Focus Questions:What is the structure and function of the federal and state court systems?How does the judicial branch check the powers of the other branches, and how do the other branches check the power of the judicial branch?Which types of crimes are violations of federal vs. state law?Why is the Supreme Court important, and what is the process for selecting justices?What is judicial review and how did the case of Marbury vs. Madison establish this principle?H.S.A. Test Strategies and Information:There are specific concepts tested in this branch that appear on every H.S.A. It is important that you know the names of the institutions in this branch (Supreme Court, MD Court of Appeals, District and Circuit Courts) as well as the powers of each branch. The Marbury vs. Madison case is very important and appears on almost every test as the case itself or the principle it established judicial review. The Supreme Court has been tested repeatedly on the exam, and will probably increase due to recent changes on the court and controversial 5/4 decisions (look for questions on the Court to increase on exams to come). Federal vs. State jurisdiction is tested using a case scenario (example: which court would hear a case about a bank robbery – state, federal, local…), the word “jurisdiction” is not used; appellate vs. original jurisdiction has never been tested.The Judicial BranchAnalyzing Federal vs. State CourtsDirections: Use the flow chart above to answer the following questions.18415041910What is the highest Maryland state court?Which state court has original jurisdiction over felonies?Which state court has the appellate jurisdiction over MOST cases from the Circuit Court?Where do a majority of federal cases originate?What are two ways that a case can reach the U.S. Supreme Court?Marbury v. Madison (1803) Background to the case:Political parties played an important role in the election of 1800. The Federalists supported President John Adams, while the Democratic-Republicans supported Vice President Thomas Jefferson. Each party had its own ideas about how government should be run based on the Constitution. In the election of 1800, the Federalists lost both the presidency and control of Congress. The only branch in which they kept control was the judiciary. In an attempt to maintain control of the judiciary, President Adams filled new judicial posts with Federalists, and the Senate approved his appointments. Adams signed the commissions (job notifications) for the nominations up to midnight on his last day in office. Not all of the commissions were delivered, so some were left on the desk of the new Secretary of State for later delivery. When Thomas Jefferson took office as the new President of the United States, he was angry at the “midnight judge” appointments and ordered his Secretary of State, James Madison, not to deliver the commissions. William Marbury was angry he did not receive his appointment of Justice of the Peace in the District of Columbia, so he appealed to the U.S. Supreme Court to get a writ of mandamus, which would order Madison, to deliver the commission or explain why he would not do so. Marbury’s petition resulted in one of the most important decisions in the history of the U.S. Supreme Court. The issue before the court: “Should the Court issue a writ of mandamus ordering the Secretary of State to deliver commissions to Marbury and the others who had been denied?”The Supreme Court turned down Marbury’s request for the court order by a unanimous vote. The Court had a problem to address. On the one hand, Marbury was entitled to his commission, but, if the Court issued the writ, Jefferson would most likely ignore it. If the President ignored the request of the Supreme Court, the Court would appear weak. Remember the executive branch enforces the laws, not the judicial branch. On the other hand, if it did not issue the writ, the Supreme Court would look weak.So, Chief Justice John Marshall turned to the Constitution for answers. Two issues seemed to be a problem: one, the Supreme Court did not have original jurisdiction in the Marbury case according to the Constitution, and two, the Judiciary Act of 1789 was unconstitutional because as an act of Congress, it expanded the powers of the Supreme Court beyond the Constitution. Decision The court stated that Marbury was entitled to his court order, but the Supreme Court did not have authority to issue it because the act of Congress that would allow them to issue it went beyond the Constitution.Impact: of the decision was the creation of judicial review – the ability to review actions of the other two branches of government. This allowed the Court to become the final authority on the meaning of the U.S. Constitution. Information adapted from Historic Supreme Court Decisions and Marbury v. Madison original case.Questions for Marbury v. Madison:Directions: Complete the questions after reading the case.What is the issue before the Supreme Court? (Remember the issue is always stated in the form of a question.)What are the facts of the case? (Who was involved? What happened?)What was the decision of the Supreme Court? What was the Court’s reasoning?Explain the significance (importance) of the case.In your opinion, did the framers of the Constitution intend the Supreme Court to have the power of judicial review as part of the system of checks and balances? Explain your answer.Who Gets the Case?5524500-76199The Supreme Court cannot hear all the cases in the United States; there are simply too many, and more importantly it does not have original jurisdiction for all cases. Original jurisdiction is where the case must be heard first. The other type of jurisdiction is appellate. Appellate jurisdiction is given to courts to review trials to see if there was an error in the trial proceedings, or to insure that the rights of the accused were not violated. The Supreme Court is an appellate court – it is an error correcting court, not a trial court that decides guilt or innocence. Most cases must start at the bottom of the Federal or State court system (based on the offense), and then work their way up through the different levels of courts. The Supreme Court is the highest court in the land, there is no other court to appeal to if the Supreme Court rules against you, or refuses to hear your case. Most federal cases begin in federal district court. If an appeal is filed, then the federal court of appeals will review the case and decide if they will hear the appeal. Appeals courts are usually made up of a 3 judge panel, however in major cases all of the appeals judges may hear the case. The Federal Court of Appeals has a lot of power in reviewing cases, they can choose to overturn the lower court’s decision, send the case back for a new trial, release the defendant, uphold the lower court’s decision, or choose not to hear the appeal at all. If the accused does not like the decision of the federal court of appeals then they can appeal to the US Supreme Court. The US Supreme Court does not have to hear the appeal, and in most cases chooses not to. In the State of Maryland there are 4 different levels of courts. The District Court is the one that most people will come into contact with. This court hears minor crimes like traffic tickets, and small civil issues. The District Court is only a court of original jurisdiction. The Maryland Circuit Court is a court of original jurisdiction for major crimes and civil cases that require a jury, and appellate jurisdiction for cases from the District Court. In Maryland anyone found guilty is entitled to one appeal, so the Maryland Court of Special Appeals must review all cases that they receive and issue a finding. The Maryland Court of Appeals is the highest court in Maryland and chooses which cases to hear. They are also a court of both appellate and original jurisdiction. The MD Court of Appeals has original jurisdiction in cases that involve issues with other states, but for the most part this is an error correcting court that hears appeals.Federal crimes are charged and tried in Federal Courts. Federal Crimes are those against the United States government and/or its agents. Any crime committed on federal property (even shoplifting at the gift shop in the FBI building) or purposely against a federal employee because of their employment status is a federal crime. Other Federal crimes include: destruction of federal property, treason, terrorism, kidnapping, bank robbery, spying, crimes committed on military bases, bankruptcy, violation of copyright & patent, taxes, civil rights violations, issues with other countries.-93344259080State crimes are those that break state laws, so these crimes are specific to state statutes. These statutes can vary from state to state, so what is legal in one state is illegal in another (using a radar detector in Maryland is egal, but using it in Virginia is illegal). These crimes include: murder, arson, rape, robbery, burglary, drinking and driving, property crimes, speeding.Applying Jurisdictions – Who Hears the Case?5657850-513714Directions: Look at the diagram below, write in the blank which level of government would hear the case first then write which court has original jurisdiction and which has appellateDescription of CrimeFederal or State?Court of Original JurisdictionCourt of Appellate JurisdictionYour neighbor is suing you because he doesn’t like your fence.A defendant is on trial for killing a federal police officer.April robs a 7-11 and gets caughtThe Ambassador of a foreign country is charged with killing someone while drunk driving in Washington D.C..A defendant appeals her death penalty conviction because she feels it is unconstitutional – all courts in MD disagree – where does she go now?You decide to declare bankruptcy.A Defendant steals the plans for a patented invention and makes it himself. He gets sued.You are charged with calling in a bomb threat to school.A defendant sells drugs to kids on school property.Unit 3 State and Local PolicyVocabulary/Key Concepts:Socio-Economic Goals of Government: protect public health, child welfare, affordable housing, public transportation, education (an example is given, select the goal)RegionsRegional disputes/agreements, interests, cooperation Costs/BenefitsRegulating businesses, economic incentivesState and Local government responsibility in controlling pollution (usually dealing with regulation of businesses)Recycling, conservation projectsPublic assistance programsFunding sports stadiums with tax dollarsDriving restrictions Developing budgets (opportunity costs/tradeoffs)PopulationImpact of population shifts on funding (almost always a chart or graph with this question & a BCR)Land UseZoning laws, zoning boards, zoning commissionsSmart GrowthUrbanization/urban centersLoss of forestWildlife preservationEnvironmental studiesLocating centers of economic activityEminent domain/property rightsCitizen ParticipationReferendum, recallPetition, boycott, letter writing, assemblyFocus QuestionsWhat are the socio-economic goals of government, and how does government work to achieve them?What are the costs and benefits of government decision making?How do shifts in population impact government programs and funding of government projects?How do zoning boards regulate land use?What is eminent domain and how can it be used?What is smart growth, and why has Maryland adopted this plan?What impact does urban sprawl have on environmental policy?How can citizens actively participate in government at the state and local level?H.S.A. Test Strategies and Information:This unit heavily tests state and local land use and environmental policy issues. There is always a BCR on pollution or land use, as well as one that relates to a topic directly of interest to students – usually driving age/regulations, drinking age, cigarettes. Most of this unit is tested by providing an example of government action and asking why they would do that, the pros and cons of increased/decreased regulation, giving a problem and selecting the best solution, the costs and benefits of each decision. Also covered here as well as in unit 5 is the ability of the people to influence government decisionsState and Local Government in Action5810250228600As stated in Unit 1 government has some basic purposes in society: maintaining social order, providing public services, maintaining national security, making economic decisions and protecting the environment. Government creates programs to fulfill these basic purposes as well as many socio-economic goals. All levels of government continuously make decisions about how to spend tax dollars in order to fulfill these purposes and meet their goals. With revenue (tax money the government receives) scarce, it is up to the government to prioritize programs to meet many competing socio-economic goals including: protecting public health, child welfare, affordable housing, public transportation, education. The opportunity costs (the next best choice that was given up) and tradeoffs (what was given up) of this government decision making process are influenced by many factors including the makeup of the current population.361950837564The population that a government serves has a direct impact on the services provided. As an area’s population changes, so do services provided by the government. Changes in population can include an overall increase or decrease, population age shifts older/younger, socioeconomic shifts in population (wealth/poverty & level of education), shifts of political parties and minority groups. All of these factors and many more will influence government decision making. For example: Western Maryland once had a booming mining industry, that industry is now slowing and the children from the region have moved away leaving an aging population. Issues for this population might include access to health care and public transportation, affordable housing and services provided to the elderly. In Central Maryland the number of families with young children is growing (especially in Frederick County). Issues for this population are going to be quite different than that of the population in Western Maryland. In Central Maryland education/schools, transportation and roads/traffic, need for more law enforcement are more likely to be the major issues. Both regions may overlap in the need for more emergency services as well as affordable housing, but the types of emergency services and housing will likely be different. When the state government makes decisions about funding projects, it must prioritize the needs of each of these regions, trading off funding of one project for another. Often this will cause conflict between regions who feel they are not receiving adequate funding. When the state fails to fund local projects within a county, it is then up to the local municipality (county/city) to make up the funding, or cut programs.5810250107950States also compete with other states within the Federal System for Federal dollars in the form of grants. Grants are blocks of money given to a state for a particular program; it could be for welfare, food stamps, special education or a variety of other programs. Each state or region in the country has interests specific to their situation (these are known as regional interests). For example: Maryland and Virginia both rely heavily on the Chesapeake Bay for tourism and fishing dollars; problems in the bay will cause economic problems in both states. It would be difficult for Maryland alone to try and fix problems with the bay if Virginia and even West Virginia were to allow pollution. Therefore, these states may enter into a regional agreement in order to reduce conflict amongst them and solve the problem; this is known as regional cooperation.200025466725All programs that the government chooses to fund or not fund have a cost and a benefit. If a state chooses to fund education over new stadiums, the cost would be loss of economic development and revenue that could be produced from a stadium, though the stadium would cost a lot of money and the revenue is not guaranteed. Schools on the other hand benefit society by educating children in hopes that they will become productive members of the general public. Overall, the funding of any government program is based on the peoples’ needs, so it is important that the people let government know about their needs.State Taxing and Spending-191134-513714Directions: Use the pie charts below to answer the questions about state taxing and spending. Note: this chart is an average of all states and not necessarily reflective of only the state of Maryland.1. What area do states spend the highest percentage of their budgets? Second highest?2. In what area do states spend the least percentage of their budgets? Why do you think this area receives the least spending?3. What type of tax generates the most revenue for states?4. What type of tax generates the least revenue for states?5. How do you think the states’ budgets differ from the national budget? Explain at least 3 differences.Local Taxing and Spending5023485-513714Directions: Use the diagram below to evaluate Local government spending. Note: this data is a national average of local governments.1. What area do local governments spend the highest percentage of their budgets? Second highest?2. In what area do local governments spend the least percentage of their budgets? Why do you think this area receives the least spending?3. What type of tax generates the most revenue for local governments?4. What type of tax generates the least revenue for local governments?5. Raising property taxes is a way that local governments often raise money. What impact might this have on the local economy?Compare State and Local Taxing and SpendingDirections: Use the diagrams to complete the comparison table below, and to answer the questions.SimilaritiesDifferencesSpendingTaxing1. Why are there similarities and differences in the way state and local governments spend and raise money?Who’s Problem is it Anyway?57912000Directions: Part of the government’s job is to fix problems that the people have, however not all levels of government fix all problems, nor can all problems be fixed by government. Review the problems below and decide whether it is a state issue, federal issue or both, write the underlined word in the correct box. State ProblemsBothFederal/National ProblemsFrederick County High Schools needs money to hire more teachers and buy more furniture.Interstate I95 in Baltimore needs major repairs We need funding for new roadsChild Molesters should have to register with the governmentNew Orleans needs to rebuild after Hurricane KatrinaGas prices are skyrocketing and gas stations are ripping off customers by fixing the price of gasWe need new loans for low income families to buy housesVeterans need better medical careThere isn’t enough mass transportation in MarylandThe Chesapeake Bay is being polluted by runoff from farmsThe War in Iraq is going poorly Schools are overcrowded in Frederick County There isn’t enough water in the Potomac River for both Maryland and VirginiaElderly people are paying too much for prescriptionsSocial Security will run out in 2025Meeting Socio-Economic Goals3906520-399414850582501-342899Directions: Read each headline below and cite which socio-economic goal is being met, and the cost and benefit of each program.Socio-Economic Goals: protecting public health, child welfare, affordable housing, public transportation, educationHeadlineGoalCostBenefit“Governor Approves More Funds for Schools”“Tolls Raised on Maryland Interstates to Fund Road Repairs”“State Offers Free Vaccinations for Low Income Children”“State Testing Dead Birds for West Nile Virus”“State Raises MARC Train Fares to Pay for More Trains”“State Requires Testing of All High School Seniors”“County Provides Rental Assistance for Low Income Residents”“New Home Loan Program Targets Public Servants”“County Offers Free Flu Shots”“Government Provides Free and Reduced Meals for School Children”Regional Interests and Issues5143500-398144Review each of the Headlines and put a check next to those that would require regional cooperation or a regional agreement to fix the problem.359410038100Mining Runoff causes Pollution to Waterways359410038100-25399139700Drought Causes Water Problems Throughout Metro Area-25399139700118110050800New School Opens At 110% Capacity118110050800439420050800Clam Beds in Chesapeake Bay at Risk4394200508003873500127000Crime Rate Soars in City387350012700022860063500Frederick County is Hub for Drug Trafficking in DC/Baltimore Area22860063500660400139700Decrease in Air Quality Due to Crowded Roads660400139700387350063500Blue Crab Harvest Worst in 10 Years387350063500Create your own headlines in the boxes below.3225800-634993225800-634992692400170180026924001701800-15239925400-15239925400Land Use30481116840State and local governments deal more directly with land use than the national government. Land use is just that, how land in a particular area may be used. You cannot park heavy equipment (bulldozers and dump trucks) in a residential neighborhood, nor can you have play grounds in an industrial area. Zoning is the way local governments designate how land will be used. There are different types of zoning that include: residential, industrial, agricultural, business, public use – though these vary across local governments. Land is zoned for use so that development can be controlled and adequate infrastructure (roads, bridges, water, sewage, schools) is available to support that development. Additionally, zoning helps reduce conflicts between competing members of society, for example: it would be great to put a residential area next to a public use park, but not next to a heavy industrial area. Residents could access the park and enjoy it with their families, but would certainly be upset by the noise and pollution as well as the danger of a heavy industrial area nearby. Due to the rapidly increasing development in Maryland, zoning has become a major political issue. Once a property has been zoned, any changes have to be approved by a zoning board or commission. Therefore, a farm that is zoned agricultural that was sold to a housing developer; would have to be rezoned residential before the developer could build the first house (besides many other approvals that would have to take place).In Maryland there is great concern for the rapidly decreasing amount of agricultural land and “green space” – forests, open areas free of development. Urban sprawl (the movement of people from urban areas outward into suburban and rural areas) has created overcrowded highways, lack of transportation, water shortages, overcrowded schools, and an overall drain on the resources of local and state governments experiencing rapid growth. In order to contain urban sprawl in the areas where it already exists, the state of Maryland has put into place a policy called “Smart Growth”. Through the use of special incentives such as increased funding and tax breaks, the state encourages local municipalities, homeowners, businesses and developers to limit growth to areas where it already exists. Smart Growth includes high density housing like townhomes, condominiums, apartments in order to put more people in specific areas so that infrastructure that is already in place can be used and improved upon. The pros of the Smart Growth plan is that green space is spared, environmental impact of development is more isolated, infrastructure costs will be lower, and services can be provided to the public more efficiently. However, Smart Growth has its critics: high density housing often causes increases in crime rates, often the infrastructure is so behind that it cannot keep up with development, fewer housing choices, rising costs of homes due to too much demand and not enough supply. 5459730422910There are times when governments have had to take private property in order to provide for the common good. The government’s power to seize private property for public use is known as eminent domain. According to the 5th Amendment of the Constitution, property cannot be taken without just compensation, and the 14th Amendment requires due process as well. This means that citizens whose property is being taken by the government must receive payment for it at fair market value, and that the government must follow a specific legal process that includes the right to appeal on behalf of the property owner. The government cannot simply show up at your house one day and seize it for public use. Until a few years ago, the government could only take private property for public use. In a recent Supreme Court case, Kelo vs. City of New London CT, a new precedent (rule to be followed) was set that allows local governments to seize private property and sell it to a private developer for the purpose of economic development. In response to this judicial action, many states have passed laws that prohibit local governments from seizing private property for private sale to developers and others; municipalities that do not follow the state law often lose state funding for local programs.Land Use and ZoningDirections: Use the space below to draw your own municipality. You must have within your municipality the following zoned areas: industrial (at least 5 blocks)business/commercial (at least 7 blocks)residential (12 blocks)agricultural (5 blocks)1 park (4 blocks)2 Elementary Schools (1 block each)1 4 lane road (5 blocks – you can expand an existing 2 lane road))2 2 lane roads (use half blocks at least 5 per road) 1 High School (4 blocks)1 Middle School (2 blocks)Make sure you make a key for any symbols or colors that you use; each zone should be a different color. You may split blocks in half if needed, but only in half. Make sure you take into account where infrastructure already exists. Is there any property that you will need to seize in order to create your plan – you may only take property for public use.Name of Municipality: ____________________________________________________________________INTERSTATEHIGHWAY2LANEROADExisting FarmExisting HousesMajor 4Lane Road with Traffic SignalsExisting Farm2LANEROADExisting Houses4432300580390044323005803900Participating in Government5764530-28574As citizens in a representative democracy, we have the opportunity to influence our government, because our government is supposed to represent us. We have the right to petition our government through letter, e-mails, phone calls and faxes, we have freedom of political speech which allows us to openly criticize our government through the media and other public forums. We also have the freedom to assemble in political parties or organize political meetings, rallies, protests and boycotts. In the end, a representative democracy represents those who participate in the system. The more people participate, the more responsible the government will be to them.In some states, if people are dissatisfied with the performance of an elected official, they may circulate a petition to have a recall election. If enough people sign the petition, a special election will be held, and the question of removing the official will be decided with a yes or no vote. This occurred in California when Arnold Schwarzenegger was elected Governor after the people recalled the current Governor Gray Davis. (Maryland does not allow for recall elections)Some states provide ways for citizens to propose new laws directly. This procedure is an initiative and the issue on the ballot is called a proposition in some states. To have a proposition placed on the ballot, petitions are circulated for signatures. If enough people sign within the specified time, the proposal is included on the ballot. Voters indicate their approval or rejection. If approved, the proposition becomes a new law. ?Another means of voting yes or no--on a proposal, local budget or bond issue, amendment to the state constitution, or other question--is a referendum. This is an issue referred to the voters by a state or local legislative body. In some cases, a petition by voters places an issue on the ballot for referendum. A minimum number of voters must cast ballots, and the outcome may be either advisory or binding. 51409601458595Title: Chapter 15: The VoteSource: What Citizens Need to Know About Government Author: ProQuest Information and LearningPublication Date: 2004Page Number: Database: SIRS Interactive Citizenship Service: SIRS Knowledge Source <; Directions: Read each case below and decide which citizen action (e-mails/faxes/letters, protests/boycotts, use the media, recall, initiative, referendum) would be most effective.1. __________________________ Your State Senator wants to sign a bill that you disagree with.2. __________________________ You want to amend the Maryland Constitution to allow for voter registration on the day of an election.3. __________________________ Many residents are unhappy with the performance of an elected official.4. __________________________ A public official has been taking large (but legal) campaign contributions from corporations – these corporations have been getting tax breaks.5. __________________________ Many voters want a law passed that will raise the driving age to 17.Unit 4 A Civil LibertiesVocabulary/Key Concepts:Religion, Separation of Church and State, Religious Clubs/Equal Access, public prayerPress – limits, national security, censor/ship, vs. fair trialAssembly – limits, burning draft cardsSpeech – Tinker v. des MoinesPetitionImplies Right of PrivacyFocus Questions:How is the power of government limited by the Bill of Rights; especially the First Amendment?What are the limitations of the rights protected in the First Amendment?What are the rights of students and the limitations of those rights; how do student rights differ outside of school?H.S.A. Test Strategies and InformationUnit A looks at rights protected in the 1st Amendment – specific emphasis should be placed on the Bill of Rights as a way to limit the power of government and protect individual rights and freedoms. Rights are tested using scenarios to identify the protected right, or a limitation on a protected right. Specifically, students’ rights are tested on every exam, as well as the student rights cases. Tinker is the only 1st Amendment case that students are required to know, however other cases have been used with background provided. Cases you may want to review are Morse v. Frederick (this is the “Bong Hits for Jesus” case), Bethel v. Fraser, Hazelwood v. Kuhlmeier, Texas v. Johnson, Engel v. Vitale. Start this unit by doing a review of the entire Bill of Rights, then focus on the 1st Amendment.Original Text381000-406399The Bill of RightsDirections: Read each amendment in the Bill or Rights, rewrite it in your own words, then draw an illustration of the rights protected in each amendment.381000-406399Your WordsIllustrationAmendment ICongress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances.Amendment II (2)A well regulated militia, being necessary to the security of a free state, the right of the people to keep and bear arms, shall not be infringed. Amendment III (3)No soldier shall, in time of peace be quartered in any house, without the consent of the owner, nor in time of war, but in a manner to be prescribed by law.Amendment IV (4)The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized. Amendment V (5)No person shall be held to answer for a capital, or otherwise infamous crime, unless on a presentment or indictment of a grand jury, except in cases arising in the land or naval forces, or in the militia, when in actual service in time of war or public danger; nor shall any person be subject for the same offense to be twice put in jeopardy of life or limb; nor shall be compelled in any criminal case to be a witness against himself, nor be deprived of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law; nor shall private property be taken for public use, without just compensation. Original TextYour WordsIllustrationAmendment VI (6)In all criminal prosecutions, the accused shall enjoy the right to a speedy and public trial, by an impartial jury of the state and district wherein the crime shall have been committed, which district shall have been previously ascertained by law, and to be informed of the nature and cause of the accusation; to be confronted with the witnesses against him; to have compulsory process for obtaining witnesses in his favor, and to have the assistance of counsel for his defense. Amendment VII (7)In suits at common law, where the value in controversy shall exceed twenty dollars, the right of trial by jury shall be preserved, and no fact tried by a jury, shall be otherwise reexamined in any court of the United States, than according to the rules of the common law.Amendment VIII (8) Excessive bail shall not be required, nor excessive fines imposed, nor cruel and unusual punishments inflicted. Amendment IX (9)The enumeration in the Constitution, of certain rights, shall not be construed to deny or disparage others retained by the people. Amendment X (10)The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the states, are reserved to the states respectively, or to the people. Dissecting the 1st AmendmentAlthough the rights of religion, speech, press, assembly and petition are protected in the First Amendment, they are not without some restrictions. These restrictions are usually based on time, place and manner in which the right is being exercised. Usually the government will take action when one person’s right infringes on another’s, but not always.133350659130Freedom of religion allows for the people to practice their own religion or no religion at all (this is referred to as the free exercise clause). It prohibits the government from establishing a religion for everyone in the country (this is known as the establishment clause). Often these two clauses are in conflict with one another. Can a public school teacher in a classroom freely exercise his/her religion by teacher that his/her religion is better than the others? The Supreme Court would say no because the teacher is an agent of the state and therefore would be violating the establishment clause. This would also be a violation of the students’ rights because it infringes on their right to freely practice their own religion, and would outweigh the teacher’s right of free religion.Speech was a right greatly valued by the founders of the nation, in particular political speech. A democracy is based on the ability of the people to openly discuss and share ideas. If speech were restricted the democracy would also be restricted. However, speech is not limitless. Slander, when someone tells lies to harm another person, and libel, printing lies which harm another, are unprotected forms of speech. Student speech in school was protected by the case of Tinker v. Des Moines School District. In this case a group of students wanted to protest the Vietnam War so they wore black arm bands to school. The principal told the students to take off the armbands but they refused; the students were suspended. The Supreme Court ruled that students do not “shed their rights at the school house gate” and therefore are entitled to some speech protections as long as it does not disrupt the educational environment. The Supreme Court has since refined student speech to be limited in cases of obscene or vulgar speech, and speech that takes place at school sponsored events that are not on school property. The Court left it up to school officials to decide what is appropriate.5915025168275Press and speech go hand in hand as both are ways to exercise freedom of expression. The protection of the press is almost unlimited. The courts have been unwilling to restrict the press for fear of the misuse of censorship. Therefore, the only restriction on the press other than libel is national security. The government can ask a court to order the press not to report on a story that would jeopardize national security. However, the government has to clearly show to a judge that the information in the news story really jeopardizes national security. In schools there are extra limitations on the press. The courts have upheld (Hazelwood v. Kuhlmeier) the Principal’s censorship of student newspapers.-47624-2539Freedom of association is protected in the ability of the people to freely petition their government for a “redress of grievances”, and to assemble. Again these rights are limited by time, place and manner. Assembling on the in the middle of a highway during rush hour to protest traffic congestion is not protected assembly (besides you’re going to get killed), but having a political meeting at your house is protected. The people can publicly assemble as long as that assembly is peaceful, and if on private property permission has been granted; public property may require a permit to be issued if the group may be large or law enforcement may be needed to keep the peace. 512699073025The right of privacy has been inferred in the Constitution. Although not explicity stated in the text of the Constitution, in 1890 then to be Justice Louis Brandeis extolled 'a right to be left alone.' This right has developed into a liberty of personal freedom protected by the 14th amendment. The 1st, 4th and 5th Amendments also provide some protection of privacy, although in all cases the right is narrowly defined. The Constitutional right of privacy has developed alongside a statutory right of privacy which limits access to personal information. In all of its forms, however, the right of privacy must be balanced against the state's compelling interests. (this paragraph excerpted from law.cornell.edu)Summarizing the First AmendmentDirections: For each right there are responsibilities in exercising them and limitations. In the chart below list the limitations of the rights in the 1st AmendmentRightLimitations in GeneralLimits on StudentsReligionSpeechPressAssemblyPetitionApplying the 1st Amendment Rights285750-200024Directions: Read each scenario below and decide whether or not it is protected or not protected by the 1st Amendment…don’t forget about the right to privacy. Identify the right involved and check the appropriate box.ScenarioRight InvolvedProtectedNot ProtectedThe coach of the school football team leads the team in prayer before the game.The KKK burns a cross on private property with the permission of the property owner, but for the purpose of harassing a neighboring minority family.A student gives a speech at a school assembly that uses foul language.A student quietly prays in class.Students pass around a petition at lunch to change the cafeteria lunch menu.Students decide to walk out of class in protest of new rules.person phones in a bomb threat to a public building.newspaper openly criticizes the government for recent defense decisions.You start a communist party group and meet regularly at your house.You and your group meet at the local shopping mall to march for workers rights.Your medical records are accessed without your permission and as a result you are denied a job.A woman may choose to use birth control.A student newspaper was censored by the principal.Students circulated information that was untrue about a staff member.A religious group believes in human sacrifice; you volunteer to be sacrificed.The ten commandments are placed in a public building.Unit 4B Criminal and Civil LawVocabulary/Key Concepts:Comparing Criminal and CivilBurdens of proof: Preponderance of the Evidence vs. Beyond a Reasonable DoubtPlea bargainCivil violations vs. Criminal Violations (uses a scenario which on is criminal or civil)defendantplaintiffprosecutorMisdemeanorTortContractMediatorNegotiationOut of Court SettlementSubpoenaRights of the AccusedSearchesWarrantUnreasonable search and seizureProbable causeExclusionary rule/privacy protections in Bill of RightsDouble jeopardySelf incriminationCruel and unusual punishmentGrand juryIndictmentWrit of Habeas corpusDue Process (uses a scenario – what is being violatedRequisites for a fair trialCasesGideonTLOMirandaFocus QuestionsWhat are the similarities and differences between civil and criminal law?What protections are there for accused persons?How did the Miranda, TLO and Gideon court cases impact the rights of the accused?What are the requirements for a legal search?What rights do student have in school based on the 4th and 5th amendments?What is the difference between a felony and a misdemeanor?Why are plea bargains and out of court settlements used?What is the purpose of a Grand Jury and how is it different from a trial jury?H.S.A. Test Strategies and InformationThis unit is heavily tested on the H.S.A. It is common to see writing prompts that focus on this unit. Specific attention should be given to the similarities and differences between civil and criminal law. Students do not need to know step by step proceedings, but should have a basic understanding of the individuals involved and the burdens of proof. This unit also focuses n on procedural due process outlined in amendments 4, 5, 6 and 8. Often an example of a violation of one of the rights outlined in these amendments is provided and students have to identify which right is violated, or which principle – due process. There are also questions about the purpose of a grand jury, and the use of plea bargains and out of court settlements.Criminal vs. Civil Law5819775-513714Civil Law can be defined as a dispute between two or more parties, usually involving contracts (an agreement between two or more parties), property, family (divorce and child custody) or torts (suing for negligence). The person filing the suit is known as the plaintiff, and the person the suit is filed against is the defendant. Because the punishment in most civil cases is money or loss of property, the burden of proof is much lower. A preponderance of the evidence is all that is needed to find a person liable in under civil law. This simply means that evidence supports that the person is responsible for the act. Most civil law cases are settled out of court through the use of a mediator who negotiates a settlement between the parties.Criminal law involves crimes against the state; these can include both misdemeanors (traffic tickets, shoplifting and other minor offenses) or felonies (rape, robbery, arson, murder, drunk driving, assault and many others that are major offenses). Under criminal law the charges are brought by the state that is represented in court by the Prosecutor. Charges are brought against a defendant. Because the punishment in criminal cases can result in life, liberty or property the burden of proof is much higher than that of a civil case. In a criminal case the jury must unanimously find that the person is guilty beyond a reasonable doubt – this means that the jury is very sure the person committed the crime. Often times these cases are plead down in order to save time and money. In a plea bargain a defendant may admit to guilt in exchange for lesser charges or a reduced sentence. Both Civil and Criminal Law provide for a jury trial if the defendant chooses.Part I. Directions: Use your knowledge of Criminal and Civil law to complete the chart below.CriminalVS.CivilDescription/Types of CasesWho Brings the Case?Who is the Case Brought Against?What is the Burden of Proof?PunishmentsMostly Resolved How?Part II. Directions: Read each item and decide if it is a criminal case or a civil case, write the answer in the space provided. If it is a criminal offense write whether it is a felony or misdemeanor; if it is a civil offense identify which type: contract, tort, family or property.Someone robbed the 7-11 down the street from your housesomeone was harmed in a motorcycle accident and is suing for damagesthe neighbors are getting a divorceYour Aunt goes to court to ask for custody of her childgets caught selling pirated moviesyou slip and fall at the grocery storea CIA officer commits treasonthe builder who you have contracted with fails to build your houseyour cousin runs a red light and kills someoneyou get a speeding ticketyou send harassing and threatening messages to your girlfriend/boyfriend through the internetyou call in a bomb threat to the schoolsome kids in your neighborhood vandalize the park your friend steals your Xbox and games valued at more than $500a witness lies on the stand during a trialRights of the Accused247650-399414When a person is accused of a crime they are entitled to certain procedural due process rights outlined in the Bill of Rights and 14th Amendment. These rights are included in the 4th, 5th, 6th and 8th Amendments. The 4th Amendment outlines protections against unreasonable searches and seizures. For the government to search your person or property they must first have probable cause. A warrant is usually necessary to search your home or property. If the police search your home or property without a warrant, if the warrant was based on misleading information, if it includes misinformation, and/or is executed improperly the evidenced seized using that warrant may be thrown out in court. There are some basic exceptions to the warrant rule: search incident to arrest – once you are placed under arrest the police may search your person and if you were driving your vehicle; exigent circumstances – the evidence will disappear if the officer does not go in and seize it immediately, plain view – the evidence is left out where there is no expectation of privacy, abandonment – if you don’t claim it they can search it. Students have fewer rights when it comes to searches in schools. Because the school acts in loco parentis – in place of the parent, and there is a special need to keep order within the educational setting, school officials have a much broader power to search students. These searches may include a student’s locker (the locker is school property not the student’s), random searches using drug and bomb sniffing dogs, drug testing of student athletes, as well as searching your private property (hand bags, cell phones, ipods, bookbags) with reasonable suspicion. The key case that established search criteria for schools was New Jersey v. TLO. A young woman was caught smoking in the bathroom. She was taken to the Assistant Principal’s office, where he searched her purse and found rolling papers, a list of names and amounts of money owed, and a good deal of money. The student was suspended. The student contended that the search was unconstitutional because there was no probable cause, however the Supreme Court disagreed and upheld the right of the school to search students without a warrant.5210175832485The 5th Amendment is known as the rights of the accused amendment and provides for protections against self incrimination and double jeopardy, as well as the right to a grand jury in major federal crimes (some states also use grand juries). Self incrimination means that the police cannot require you to give them a confession, nor can you be compelled to take the stand during your trial. Once you have been found not guilty and acquitted of the charges you are free to go even if new evidence appears that would convict you. Only when the jury does not acquit, but instead is hung can a mistrial be declared and a new trial take place. Grand jury protection for “infamous crimes” was included to keep the government from charging a person with a major crime with little or no evidence. Grand juries are larger than petit juries – grand juries have 23 jurors in Maryland and petit juries have 12 (for criminal cases). The purpose of the grand jury is to review evidence that the state has against a defendant and decide if there is enough for the state to bring charges. Witnesses are called and evidence is introduced by the state, but this is not a trial of guilt or innocence. If it appears that the state has enough evidence to go to trial then an indictment will be handed down which provides for formal charges to be brought against a defendant. The final protection in the 5th amendment is that of due process -- life, liberty and property cannot be taken away without due process of the law – the government must follow all the procedures outlined in these amendments before any of your natural rights can be taken away. Miranda v. Arizona is the most important case to define proper police procedures, because of this case police officers must inform you of your rights before taking any statements that can be used against you in court.19051281940The 6th Amendment provides for protections during a trial. All defendants have the right to a jury trial, but it may also be waived. Defendants also have the right to counsel, though they may act on their own behalf. Fair, public and speedy trial, as well as being able to call witnesses for your side and confront those against you is also required by this amendment. Sometimes due to intense media coverage it can be difficult to insure a fair trial because most people in the area who would serve on the jury already know about the case and may be biased. Often the trial will be moved to another location. The most important 6th Amendment case was Gideon v. Wainwright. Gideon was a poor defendant accused of a petty crime. He could not afford a lawyer and the state of Florida refused to grant him one because it was not a major offense. The Supreme Court ruled that all defendants regardless of the crime have the right to counsel and for those who cannot afford it the state must provide it.6276975204787519051-95249The 8th Amendment covers both the beginning and end of the arrest and trial process. In the 8th amendment there are protections against excessive fines or bails – the fine and/or bail must fit the crime. Cruel or unusual punishment is also prohibited. Though what is cruel and unusual was not defined in the amendment causing a great amount of debate over practices such as the death penalty. Identifying Due Process Violations5524500152400Directions: Read each statement and decide if it is a violation of Due Process. Write yes if it is a violation or no if it is not._____ You are arrested and not read your rights before you confess to the crime_____ The government takes your house to build a school and gives you fair market value_____ A state eliminates representation (lawyers) for defendants (people on trial)_____ A state requires your car to be inspected once a year_____ A state forbids a teacher from practicing without a license_____ A state requires all children in school to be vaccinated for chicken pox_____ A student is suspended from school without a hearing_____ A judge denies you a jury trial even though you ask for one_____ The US government interned Japanese Americans in camps during WWII for national security purposes_____ The government has been wiretapping suspected terrorists who are American citizens, without a warrantApplying the Rights of the AccusedDirections: Read the story below. As you read underline the rights that are violated and write which right is being violated.John E. Rotten was believed by police to have committed a series of burglaries and armed robberies in the town of Swindleville. The police go to John’s house, break down the door and haul him out to their police car. Off to the police station they go. John is put in a room by himself for 3 days – no one tells him why he has been arrested. Finally the police come in and ask him questions. John is forced to answer the questions and is threatened with the death penalty if he refuses. John asks for his attorney but the police tell him he can’t have one. John’s family has called his attorney from the firm Dewey, Beatem, and Howe, but the attorney doesn’t arrive until after John finishes writing his confession. John takes back the confession and decides to plead not guilty. John is finally taken before a judge who feels he is a flight risk and sets bail at $10 million dollars. John can’t pay the bail so he stays in jail for 2 years awaiting trial. Finally john is brought to court and forced to take the stand. He tries to call witnesses to support his side of the story, but the court refuses to hear them. John nor his lawyer are allowed to ask the witnesses for the state any questions. John asked for a jury trial, but was denied. In the end John is found guilty by the court and sentenced to death. John appeals the conviction. 35052001014730Directions: Read each of the following situations below and, using the Bill of Rights found in your textbook, determine which basic right is violated in each. Write the Amendment # and right in the space provided.1. John Q. Citizen and his daughter were at home watching television when all of a sudden there was a terrible noise at their door. The next thing they knew two or three police officers broke down their door, ordered everyone out, and began searching for a suspected criminal. 2. Susie Q Citizen was arrested and put on trial for car theft. The judge refused to let him have a lawyer. 3. Jane and her brother Steve had a party to celebrate the end of school. The noise at the party got very loud and the police arrested Jane and Steve for disturbing the peace. At their trial they were sent to prison for life. 4. Two women, were arrested for shoplifting. It was the first time for both of them. The judge sentenced both to ten years in prison. 5. Mr. Smith was the defendant in a civil suit valued at $2000. The judge denied his request for a jury trial. 6. Jack was being tried for armed robbery. During the course of the trial, the judge asked Jack to explain exactly where he was at the time of the crime. He refused to answer the question. The angry judge held that Jack was in contempt of court. Unit 4C Civil RightsVocabulary/Key Concepts:14th AmendmentGender equalityCultural diversityDepartment of Justice (role in enforcement)Equal treatmentDiscriminationRacial segregationVoting Restrictions/rights (equal access)ActsTitle IX Higher Education ActADA Equal accessCivil Rights Act 1964Affirmative ActionCasesPlessy (only used as a distractor) precedent case separate but equal is ConstitutionalBrown how it overturns PlessyFocus QuestionsWhat actions has government taken to protect writes and promote equity?What was the impact of the Plessy vs. Ferguson and Brown v. Board of Education cases on rights?What does the 14th Amendment protect?H.S.A. Test Strategies and Information:This section is heavily tested. Students do not need to be able to identify the Acts, an excerpt is given and they have to interpret the purpose of the act, or pick a violation from a list of scenarios. Plessy and Brown appear on every test either as answers or distracters. The 14th amendment is one you need to know by number and purpose. There is always a chart with cases or government acts that goes with an ECR or BCR to interpret.Purpose of the 14th AmendmentWhen the Bill of Rights was written, it was intended to protect the states and the people from the power of the national government. It was not intended to apply to the states. The amendment that would have applied parts of the Bill of Rights to the states was accepted by the House of Representatives, but the Senate refused to ratify it, so it never went into effect. Most states had their own protections of rights, so the Senate felt that an amendment that applied the Bill of Rights to the states was not needed; to support their point of view they pointed to the Virginia Declaration of Rights. . The Civil War AmendmentsDuring the Civil War Era and immediately after, a series of Amendments were passed to correct issues that had led to the outbreak of war ,and in doing so to extend and protect rights. The 13th Amendment abolished slavery, but this did not make freed slaves equal, nor did it grant them citizenship. The 14th Amendment focused on three important issues: defining citizenship, providing for equal protection under the law, and due process. A citizen was defined as anyone born or naturalized in the United States; this would make most of the former slaves citizens as well as their children. Equal protection required that the law would apply equally to all citizens. Due process of the law was required in order to protect the rights of citizens. Due Process requires that the government must go through a series of steps before being able to take away a person’s life, liberty or property. The 14th Amendment applied most of the rights protected in the Bill of Rights to the states through a process known as incorporation. James Madison’s original amendment was similar to the 14th which would have incorporated rights to the states, but it took more than 70 years and a Civil War to bring about this important amendment. The 15th amendment, the last of the Civil War amendments, extended the right of suffrage (vote) to all male citizens.6086475814070The 14th Amendment in PracticeA law, or in this case an Amendment, to the Constitution is only as good as the will and ability of the other two branches of government, to enforce and uphold it. Throughout the late 19th century and first half of the 20th century, the 14th Amendment was virtually ignored by the states. The southern states passed many laws that discriminated based on race. These laws were referred to as Jim Crow laws, and made the purposeful separation of the races, segregation,a common and legal practice in many states, mostly in the south. Though these laws were challenged, these challenges usually failed. The most important early challenge to these segregation laws was the case of Plessy v. Ferguson. In this landmark decision, Jim Crow Laws were upheld as Constitutional, and the precedent of separate but equal was established. Although case, after case was brought to challenge these segregation laws, the Supreme Court continually upheld this principle. In the early to mid 1900’s the make-up on the court changed as did the political climate in the United States. In 1954, the landmark case Brown vs. Board of Education of Topeka Kansas, struck down the previous precedent of “separate but equal”. This case was a watershed for civil rights in the United States; resulting in the desegregation of schools and places of public accommodation, as well as insuring equity in all publicly funded programs. The Brown case alone was not enough to protect Civil Rights; additional cases and laws were required to further extend and protect rights. 571511441450Government Promotion of EquityThe Department of Justice was tasked with enforcing the new civil rights laws. Amongst the many laws passed by Congress to protect and extend rights were:Equal Pay Act of 1963 required equal pay for equal work.The Civil Rights Act of 1964 which outlawed discrimination in places of public accommodation. The Voting Rights Act of 1965 which made it a crime to prevent anyone from voting, which was the case in much of the south where literacy tests were often required before an African American was allowed to vote. The Equal Employment Act of 1972 prohibited discrimination in the workplace based on race, gender, national origin, religion, ethnic group. Title IX of the Higher Education Act of 1972 provides for gender equality of sports teams in all universities and colleges receiving tax dollars. The ADA or Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 protects disabled citizens from being discriminated against, and to provide equal access to facilities. All of these acts protect and extend rights in order to provide equity in society. The federal governments went further to correct the discrimination of the past and encourage more minority participation in education and the government by creating Affirmative Action programs. Affirmative Action programs were created to help increase the participation of minorities in society by providing preferences in hiring, awarding of government contracts, admissions to schools of higher education. Affirmative Action programs still exist today, but have been scaled back as minority participation in these activities has increased. Whether to continue with Affirmative Action programs is a major issue in American politics today. Directions: Read each case below and decide which act has been violated. Write the title of the act after the case.1. A restaurant refused service to a person because they were praying.2. Girls are not allowed to play on boys’ varsity football teams.3. A public school refuses to allow a student to register because of his/her race.4. A Female teacher is paid less than a male teacher because of her gender.5. A restaurant has no ramp for wheelchairs, or handicap accessible bathrooms.6. Alabama required literacy tests before citizens could vote.7. A public bus refuses to stop and pick-up African Americans standing at a designated bus stop.8. A learning disabled student was denied accommodations on the mandatory state tests.9. The Virginia Military Institute refused admission to female applicants.10. A disproportionate number of males received job promotions over females at a local tire company.Summary Activities for Unit 4On the following pages are a few extra activities that help review rights and cases from this unit. What’s the Case?Directions: Complete the chart below by filling in the right involved in the case, and the amendment number.CaseRight/Amendment #Brown v. Board of Education Topeka KansasMiranda v. ArizonaGideon v. WainwrightTLO v. New JerseyTinker v. Des MoinesDirections: Read each scenario below. In the space provided write the name of the Supreme Court case that applies.1. Sara just moved to the area, and visited the local school to enroll for classes. She was told that she could not be enrolled because of her ethnic background.2. Principal Dudley decided there will be no more dances. In protest, Sara and some friends decided to wear T-Shirts that said “Yes” on them. The girls were told to change their clothes, when they refused they were suspended.3. John was arrested for murder. He was questioned for 10 hours straight without an attorney. He asked for one repeatedly, but was denied.4. Hannah committed vehicular manslaughter, but was too poor to pay for an attorney. When she requested one, the court refused to give her one.5. When the police brought dogs through the school parking lot they alerted at a student’s car. The car was search as was the student.6. Student athletes were required to take a drug test before and during the athletic season.PRACTICE WITH THE BILL OF RIGHTSPart I. Directions: Complete the chart below using the information from the previous page.What happenedRight Violated 1. John was forced to tell the police officer that he committed a crime.2. Jim was sentenced to death for shoplifting.3. Sara was found not guilty and tried a second time for the same crime.4. You got pulled over for a broken taillight but the police searched your car because they didn’t like how you looked.5. You join a militia to help protect the border and are arrested on your own property for carrying a gun.6. You wrote a letter to the editor criticizing the government and get thrown in jail.7. You and a group of friends get together to plan a political rally; the police break up your meeting and tell everyone they must go home.8. You wear an armband to protest the Iraq war and are told you must take it off.9. Your teacher makes the class pray before the beginning of school.10. You quietly say a blessing in the cafeteria at lunch; the principal tells you you can not do this anymore.11. The government decides to censor an article from the newspaper that is critical of the war in Iraq.12. You are charged with petty theft, you ask the court for a lawyer, but you are denied.13. During your trial you ask to call witnesses on your behalf, but are denied.14. You ask for a jury trial, but there aren’t enough jurors so you don’t get one.15. The state decides to build a highway through your house and requires you to move, but does not pay you.What is Allowed?Directions: Read each example and decide if it is true or false based on rights protected and limitations on rights._____ A group of kids were drinking at a public pool. They kept the beer in a backpack. When the police officer arrived he saw the backpack and asked whose it was. No one claimed it, he searched the backpack and found the beer, a wallet of one of the kids and proceeded to cite them for underage drinking. This was a legal search._____ The school can have the police bring dogs through the halls and parking lots to sweep for drugs._____ Schools can randomly drug test athletes._____ You can protest Wal-mart by having a rally in their parking lot._____ Students can be suspended from school for using vulgar and obscene language._____ Students may not protest the Iraq war in school._____ Students do not have to recite the pledge or be required to stand and be respectful._____ The press can write a story about national security and publish information that is classified._____ The government can keep the press from publishing a story that criticizes the government._____ The press can write a story that is false about a celebrity or politician._____ You can yell fire in a crowded movie theatre._____ The KKK can rally in Thurmont even when it threatens the safety of the community._____ You can practice human sacrifice if it is part of your religion_____ You can not burn your draft card because it interferes with the government’s ability to raise an army._____ A police officer can search your car without probable cause._____ If a search is found to be illegal they can still use the evidence against you in court._____ You are found innocent of a crime. A few years later more evidence is found, you can be retried for the same crime again._____ Your house is in a bad section of town. A development company wants to rebuild this area and asks to buy your house. You refuse to sell; the government takes your house and pays you the fair market value. This is legal._____ Principals can censor student newspapers._____ The coach of the football team can lead the team in prayer before the game. Unit 5 PolicyVocabulary/Key Concepts:International/Foreign PolicyTools of Foreign PolicyOrganizations/TreatiesInternational Red Cross/CrescentIMF/World BankNAFTAUNMilitary alliances -- NATOEconomic SanctionsTariffsEmbargoGoals of Foreign PolicyDiplomacyHumanitarian aidFree tradeNational securityOther ConceptsEconomic globalizationEconomic self-interestDomestic PolicyEconomic Goals: Redistributing income-medicare/medicaid, Economic equity, classless society, minimum wage, public assistance, Social SecurityEconomic impact of laws and government, role of government in economy, opportunity cost, regulating monopoliesRegulatory AgenciesMust know the following without a promptFTCFDAFCCEPAFAAFollowing have been tested using descriptions and real world examplesUSDACDCCPSC (a description is given for this one) Consumer Product Safety CommissionConsumer, Consumer protection OSHA – Occupational Safety and Health AdministrationWorker protections, labor unionsFiscal vs. Monetary PolicyFEDIncreasing money supply/functions: securities, reserve requirement, interest ratesEconomic indicators, recession, depressionCPIGDPInflationUnemploymentTo date Fiscal Policy has been tested using real world scenarios and cost/benefit analysis.Focus QuestionsWhat are the goals of American foreign policy and what tools are available to achieve these goals?What is the importance of international organizations and treaties on foreign policy?What are economic sanctions and how do they help achieve the goals of foreign policy?What is domestic policy and what executive departments carry out domestic policy?What are the economic goals of government and how does policy making involve opportunity costs and tradeoffs?What is the difference between fiscal and monetary policy?How does the FED impact the economy?What are the different economic indicators?H.S.A. Test Strategies and Information:This unit is perhaps the most heavily tested on the exam. There are multiple questions about international agencies. Usually students are given a real world scenario and asked which agency would deal with the issue, same is true for domestic agencies. The goals of foreign policy are heavily tested, as are the tools used to carry out American foreign policy. Economic sanctions are currently in the news and expected to appear frequently on upcoming tests. The economic goals of domestic policy appear on each test. It is important to analyze real world examples of public policy making for their economic impact. Monetary policy in particular is a favorite on the exam. Special attention should be placed on the FED and how it functions to regulate the economy. Economic indicators are always tested especially GDP and CPI. Usually a chart or graph accompanies these concepts.Foreign Policy Goals & ToolsForeign policy consists of the strategies and goals that guide a nation’s relations with other countries and groups in the world. The foreign policy goals of a country are going to be particular to that country’s political ideals and self interests. A country’s number one self interest is that of national security. National Security interests for the United States include everything from border patrol, to fighting terrorism and stopping the proliferation (spread) of nuclear weapons and other weapons of mass destruction. If a nation is not secure it will soon cease to exist, therefore it is important that a nation be able to protect itself, and discourage others from attacking. 5343525139065Since the United States is a democracy and free market system, two of our foreign policy goals are to spread democracy and promote free and open trade. Along with these goals go promoting world peace and a concern for humanity. It is in our best interest economically to reduce barriers to trade by lowering our own tariffs and encouraging our trade partners to do the same. In encouraging free trade we can often influence the political system within a country. China is a good example of a political system that is contrary to our own, yet we have reduced tariffs between our countries in hopes of forcing political change through economics.38101198120It is the job the President to carry out American Foreign Policy. The President has many tools that he can use to carry out this policy including: the use of international organizations, treaties, military force and economic sanctions to name a few. International organizations such as the United Nations (UN), International Red Cross, World Bank (WB), and International Monetary Fund (IMF) can aid the President in carrying out the goals of our foreign policy. 5476875120650The UN was created after WWII in order to prevent another world war and promote world peace. Since its creation the United States has turned to the UN for support of our actions. In 1963 the United States “quarantined” Cuba in order to keep out nuclear missiles from the Soviet Union. There are times that the United Nations does not support United States actions; this occurs when the actions of our country conflict with the goals of another country. For example: China has continually blocked economic sanctions against Sudan because the Chinese need Sudan’s oil.3810174930The World Bank and IMF work to stabilize the currency of developing nations (WB), and make low interest loans (IMF) to these nations in order to build infrastructure. Both organizations are controversial because with the money and aid that is lent, requirements for political reforms and open markets are placed on these nations. 608330088900608330088900The International Red Cross helps the United States fulfill its goal of humanitarian concern. The IRC aids disaster victims by providing emergency medical care and equipment, as well as other humanitarian assistance. The IRC also meets with prisoners of war in order to make sure that they are being treated well and are in good health.In addition to international organizations, the President has the power to make treaties with other nations. (though they must be approved by the Senate) Two important treaties are NATO – the North Atlantic Treaty Organization and NAFTA the North American Free Trade Agreement.NATO was created shortly after WWII during the cold war with the purpose of containing communism in eastern Europe. This is a military pact that protected all member nations from attack thereby securing the member nations. An attack on one member of NATO was an attack on all members of NATO – there is strength in numbers. The Soviets countered with their own organization known as the Warsaw Pact. NATO is still in effect today. When the terrorist attacks occurred on 9/11 it was considered an attack on NATO, therefore there are troops from NATO nations in Afghanistan along with the United States. -634985090NAFTA eliminated all trade barriers/tarrifs between the United States, Mexico and Canada. It has since been extended into Central America through the passage of CAFTA (Central American Free Trade Agreement). The purpose of this agreement was to encourage free trade and open new markets in North America. The act has been highly controversial since its passage. Many manufacturing jobs have moved south of the border where labor is much cheaper.6362700745490Economic Sanctions is yet another tool of foreign policy that the President can use. Sanctions are a punishment, and they can take many forms – refusal of aid, refusal of trade, restriction of trade, tariffs and embargos. The United States uses its economic power to influence other countries in order to achieve our goals. Economic sanctions were imposed on North Korea when they began their nuclear missile program. In doing so the United States was able to eventually get the North Koreans to halt their program in exchange for humanitarian assistance.Applying Goals and Tools of Foreign PolicyDirections: List the Goals of U.S. Foreign Policy.Part II. Directions: Read each statement below and write which goal is being fulfilled by the government’s actions.1. _____________________ sending National Guard troops to the Mexican/U.S. border.2. _____________________ giving military aid to Israel to support the government’s fight against terrorism.3. _____________________ signing NAFTA to encourage new markets for U.S. goods.4. _____________________ paying dues to the UN to support peacekeeping missions.5. _____________________ sending medical supplies and assistance to countries that were hit by the Tsunami.Part III. Directions: List the tools of American Foreign Policy5702300-399414Part IV. Directions: Read each statement below and identify which tool of foreign policy is being used.6. _____________________ entering into NATO for national security purposes.7. _____________________ providing money to the IMF to help developing nations8. _____________________ refusing to trade with Cuba until their government becomes more democratic9. _____________________ invading Iraq in order to force a change in leadershipPart V Directions: Read each scenario and describe which tool of Foreign Policy you would use and why. Make sure you explain the advantages and disadvantages of using this tool.1. Iraq invades neighboring Kuwait in 1990 and refuses to leave.2. Cuba allows the Soviet Union to install nuclear missiles on its territory.3. North Korea is testing long range rockets that could reach the US.4. Syria is funding known terrorist organizations like Hezbollah.International Organizations and Treaties135255-142874Part I. Directions: Use your knowledge to complete the chart below. Use pages 89 and 90!Organization/ TreatyStands ForGoals/PurposeNAFTANATOUNIMFWBIRCPart II. Directions: Read each statement and decide which treaty/organization applies, write the correct answer in the space provided.1. ________________________ takes medical supplies and humanitarian aid to natural disaster victims in Pakistan.2. ________________________ allows for no tariffs between the US and Mexico.3. ________________________ an attack on one member is considered an attack on all members of this treaty4. ________________________ sends peacekeeping troops to war torn areas5. ________________________ lends money at low interest rates to developing nations for infrastructure improvements.6. ________________________ provides assistance in stabilizing the currency of Argentina so it doesn’t default on its debt.The United NationsDirections: Use the chart below to answer the questions that follow.1. Based on the charts what is one of the goals of the United Nations?106681793752. What types of forces are involved in UN Peace Keeping missions?3. Where does the UN get the money for its programs?51460405315585116205-1714494. What is a “sanction”?5. What types of sanctions does the UN impose?6. What was the overall impact of these sanctions according to this report?TradeDirections: Use the chart about NAFTA and your knowledge to answer the questions.2286001346201. Describe the trend on the chart?2. What is the purpose of NAFTA?3. Based on the chart data, has NAFTA met its purpose?Directions: Use the chart on U.S. Trade Balance to answer the questions.4. Describe the trend on the chart.2857500673105. What is a deficit?6. What impact does this have on our economy?Domestic PolicyDomestic policy is the strategies and goals that a nation has for providing for the general welfare of its people. Domestic policy includes overall economic goals such as redistributing income-medicare/medicaid, economic equity, minimum wage, public assistance, Social Security, business regulation, environmental issues. Domestic policy also includes social issues such as poverty, education, public health, housing and transportation. Entitlement programs are those that all citizens can access, and are created to help fulfill the economic and social goals of domestic policy. Prioritizing programs for funding is dependent on the current needs of the population, as well as the current political climate.Regulatory AgenciesThere are countless government agencies that regulate everything from the environment to the air waves, however there are a few that are key to carrying out the goals of domestic policy.11431359410The EPA – Environmental Protection Agency – was created in the 1970s to help regulate business pollution of the environment. The EPA sets and carries out air and water pollution policies. The agency can fine or shut down businesses that fail to meet its standards.4930775101600The FCC – Federal Communications Commission was created to regulate the communications industry. They set standards for decency in television program on all access stations (FOX, ABC, CBS, NBC & PBS). The FCC licenses broadcasting companies and can fine companies that fail to meet its standards. 11431198120The FAA – Federal Aviation Administration was created to control the airports in the country. The FAA hires air traffic controllers and sets rules for airport use.5726430176530The FTC – Federal Trade Commission’s main focus is on consumer/product safety. The FTC works to insure the safety of all consumer goods; issuing recalls of defective products and fining companies who engage in poor trade practices. They are also charged with insuring competition in the marketplace.11431174625The FDA – Food and Drug Administration works to keep the food supply in the United States safe. The FDA also approves all medications.All These Regulations…Directions: Read each scenario in the first column. Decide which regulatory agency would be responsible, and write it in the second column. ScenarioRegulatory Agency ResponsibleMs. Nosckaj has a wardrobe malfunction on prime time television. She and the TV station are fined because of indecency.Microfoam has been monopolizing the operating software industry. They recently put out a new software package that causes computers to crash.Dead Chemical Corp has been dumping harmful pollutants into the Delaware Bay.Air Traffic Controllers are working too many hours of overtime, and having to control too many planes while they are on shift.A new medication for cancer is ready for approval.A radio “shock-jock” use profanity on his talk show in the morning.There isn’t enough flu vaccine to go around this winter.Mad Cow disease strikes pacific northwestToys from China are recalled because of too much lead in the paint.Due to a pilot shortage, many are flying too many hours.2. Which agency do you think has the most governmental power? Explain your answer.Public Assistance and Entitlements Entitlement ProgramPurposeDemographic(s)WelfareUses tax money to provide financial assistance to people who are unable to support themselves. The financial assistance will allow these individual’s to function more effectively.Low-income individual’s & familiesSocial SecurityThe Social Security Administration provides benefits for retirement, disablility, survivorship, and death. In 2004 the U.S. Social Security system paid out almost $500 billion in benefits, which made the it the largest government program in the world.-Elderly-Disabled-Surviving spouses and childrenMedicareA health insurance program administered by the U.S. government, covering people who are either age 65 and over, or who meet other special criteria-Elderly-DisabledMedicaidU.S. health insurance program for individuals and families with low incomes and resources-Low-income individuals & familiesWICProgram through the Food and Nutrition Service of the U.S. Dept. of Agriculture. Promotes healthcare and nutrition of low-income mothers and children under the age of five.-Low-income mothers -Young ChildrenFood StampsThe US Food Stamp Program provides food to low income people. -Low-income individuals & familiesHousing SubsidiesProvide housing assistance for low-income families and individuals-Low-income individuals & familiesDirections: Use the information provided on the entitlement program chart to answer the following questions.How does the government provide the funding for entitlement programs?Identify 3 demographics of people who are eligible to receive entitlements? Why are benefits provided for these specific types of people? Which programs address the goal of providing healthcare?Which programs address the goal of taking care of the elderly?Which programs address the goal of affordable housing?If a woman’s husband has died and she has a child to raise, which entitlement programs would you suggest she apply for? Support your response.Housing prices in Frederick County have skyrocketed over the past 10 years. Which entitlement program could a low-income family apply for to receive assistance in obtaining a residence?Which programs purpose is to redistribute the wealth?Projected Entitlement SpendingDirections: Use the bar graph above to answer the following questions. (Source: )Which entitlement programs do the bars on the graph above represent?Spending will increase the most for which entitlement program?What assumption can be made regarding the demographic of people who will receive these entitlements?What prediction can be made regarding the cost of healthcare from 2003-2050?Healthcare costs will remain stable.Healthcare costs will increase.Healthcare costs will decrease.Healthcare will cost less than Social Security.Keeping an Eye on the EconomyFiscal vs. Monetary PolicyThe economy is very complex; many factors can influence the strength or weakness of a country’s economy. Externalities (things like hurricanes, freezes, pollution), fiscal policy (taxing, spending), and monetary policy can all have an impact.Fiscal Policy deals with taxing and spending. The President along with Congress set the fiscal policy for the country. It is very popular for politicians to cut taxes and increase spending, however resources are limited and all programs cannot be funded, nor can all tax cuts. When taxes are cut or spending is increased, money is pumped into the economy. Consumers have more money to spend, which increases demand, it in turn increases production, employment and further spending. Raising taxes and cutting spending slows the economy by taking money out. Fiscal policy may take a long time to enact, but once it is in place it is felt immediately in the economy. Because fiscal policy is set by elected officials, it can often be influenced by political pressures.400065715Monetary Policy deals with the actual money in circulation, the value and cost of that money. The FED – Federal Reserve, is in charge of the nation’s monetary policy. The FED is an autonomous (self ruling and regulating) body, though there is some Congressional oversight of the FED, and the chairman of the FED is selected by the President. The tools of the Federal Reserve are interest rates, reserve requirements, bonds and securities. The FED looks at the many economic indicators to set its policy, and meets monthly to review the health of the economy. The FED’s goal is 3% economic growth. If the economy is growing too fast, the FED pulls money out by raising interest rates, raising reserve requirements (the amount of money banks must keep on hand), or by selling bonds and securities. If they want to speed up the economy they lower interest rates, lower reserve requirements and buy bonds and securities. Monetary policymaking happens quickly, but the effects take a while to trickle down into the economy. However decisions are less likely to be influenced by politics.481203085090The Economic Indicators that both policy makers are concerned with include: GDP – Gross Domestic Product – the value of all goods and services produced within a nation’s borders.4488180114935CPI – Consumer Price Index – measures the percentage increase in the cost of durable goods (core CPI is used and does not include changes in energy and food costs)Inflation Rate – using the CPI the rate of inflation is measured, inflation is the increase in the cost of goods and servicesUnemployment – how many people do not have a job and are seeking one; 4% unemployment is considered full employment meaning at that low a rate anyone who wants a job can probably get one.By regulating the economy, the government can help to prevent recessions (a slowing in the economy) or depression where there is no or negative for a long time.Summarizing Fiscal and Monetary Policy 5345430-209549Part I. Directions: Use what you know about Fiscal and Monetary Policy to complete the table below.FISCAL POLICYCHARACTERISTICMONETARY POLICYDefinitionWho’s responsible for developing and implementing it?What tools are used for implementing it?How long does it take?How is it influenced?Part II. Directions: Read each description below and decide if it is Fiscal Policy or Monetary Policy.__________________ The President encourages Congress to pass a tax cut__________________ The FED raises interest rates to slow the economy__________________ Congress cuts spending __________________ The FED raises the reserve requirement for banks__________________ FDR created a “New Deal” for the economy which included job creation through public works.__________________ The FED buys bonds to increase the money supply.__________________ Congress passes new tax incentives for businesses.Using Fiscal PolicyDirections: Use the table below to answer the questions that follow.How the Government May Use Fiscal PolicyTo Encourage GrowthTo Encourage StabilizationIncreased Spending,Lower TaxesThe government spends more money to stimulate growth in the economy.The government cuts taxes to increase individual spending and business outputBusinesses expand and create jobs.Increased Taxes,Lower SpendingThe government increases taxes to slow a rapidly growing economy and widespread price increases.Individuals spend less and businesses make smaller profitsLower business activity and decreased spending lead to lower prices.ResultIncreased growth in the economy and higher employmentResultLow inflation rates and stable growth in the economy.Source: American Government, Holt 1999Directions: Read each statement and circle the correct answer.1. T2. T3. T4. T5. T6. T7. T8. T9. TFFFFFFFFFWhen the government cuts taxes it stabilizes the economy.When the government spends money it stimulates the economy.Business expansion occurs when the government spends money.Decreasing spending lowers prices.Increasing taxes lowers inflation rates and stabilizes the economy.Cutting taxes causes economic ernment tax cuts help increase individual and business spending.When taxes are raised individuals spend less.When taxes are raised businesses make higher profits.Tools of Monetary PolicyDirections: Use the diagram below to answer the questions.116205273051. What does the FED buy in order to put money into the economy?2. What does the securities dealer do with the money?3. What does bank B do with the money?4. How much money in total goes back into reserves?5. How much money total is added to the economy?6. How will expanding the money supply impact production, consumption and distribution of goods and services?-396239963500Source: SIRS Knowledge Source-396239963500The Business Cycle and Fiscal Policy 800100631190Directions: Use the graph below to answer the questions that follow.1. What can the government do to fight a recession? What does this cause?2. What can the government do to fight inflation? What does this cause?3. Based on the graph what is the overall intended impact of fiscal policy?Economic IndicatorsGDPDirections: Use the tables below to answer the questions.184150260351. What is GDP?2. What has happened to US GDP since 1960?596900654053. What does “percentage change” mean?4. What is the GDP percentage change trend shown from 1992-2001?5. How does the information on the second chart appear to contradict the information on the first chart?Unit 6 Political Parties, Campaigning, VotingVocabulary/Key Concepts:Lobbying/lobbyistCitizen participation - boycott, petitionAdvertising, news predictions of winners/electionNomination of candidatesInterest groupsPolitical partiesGeneral electionsCampaign fundsAbsentee ballotsMass media3rd partiesFocus QuestionsWhat are political parties and how are they different from interest groups?What role do political parties play in the US Government?What impact do 3rd parties have on the political system in the US?How do the media, interest groups and citizens influence the political process?How are candidates selected by political parties?What role does money play in campaigning?H.S.A. Test Strategies and Information:The focus of material for this unit on the test is the influence on government decision making by citizens, organizations and institutions. Although there are few questions on the exam, usually there is one on the purposes/functions of political parties and the role of lobbyists/interest groups and the media on campaigns and policy. As we move into an election cycle more questions on campaigning should be anticipated.Political Parties44875458255What is a Political Party?A political party is a group of people who share common ideas about the role of government. Countries all over the world have many different political parties. In some countries only one party is allowed, whereas in other countries many parties are allowed. Regardless of where a political party exists, they all share a common overall purpose: to influence government policies. However, the way political parties work and the role they play in the government system varies depending on the country. What are the different types of Party Systems?The United States has a political system that allows freedom of political association and political speech. Political parties evolved throughout American history for the purpose of representing differing viewpoints. There are 3 basic political party systems: one-party, two-party and multi-party. In the United States we have historically used a two party system. One party systems tend to exist in authoritarian states where political freedom is limited and only one party is allowed. Advantages of a one party system are that there is little conflict within the party, decision-making is quick; however, there is no choice for the people, few viewpoints are represented, rights are not protected. In the US the two party system allows for two major political parties that receive most of the vote. Other parties, known as 3rd parties, exist and can often have a major effect on elections, however it is the two major parties that represent most of the people and make most of the political decisions. Although more viewpoints are represented in this system, and more rights are protected, there can be much conflict in this system causing it to take a long time for political decisions to be made. In a multi-party system there is usually no one party that has a majority, but instead a lot of smaller parties that must work together in order to create a majority. Many European countries including France and Germany have multi-party systems. Multi-party systems allow for the most points of view to be represented, compromise on most political issues, however, it may take a long time for compromise to be reached – these systems can also be very unstable as political parties will often change alliances with one another.What parties do we have in the United States?Within the two-party system in the United States we currently have the conservative Republican Party, also known as the GOP (Grand Old Party) whose mascot is an elephant, and the liberal Democratic Party, whose mascot is a donkey. There are smaller 3rd parties in our system that impact elections. In the 2000 Presidential election the Green Party which splintered off of the Democratic Party pulled enough votes away from the Democrats in important states to allow the Republicans to win those states and the election. Because the voting public in the US is fairly evenly split between the two main parties neither the Democrats nor the Republicans can afford to have votes taken away from them. Therefore, the 3rd parties do have power over the much larger parties in our system. Often the main parties will make concessions to the 3rd parties in order to get 3rd party votes. What is the purpose of a political party; what roles do they play in our system?-742944445Political Parties in two party and multi-party systems play an important role in the political process. Political parties are the watch dogs of the other party that is in power; making sure that the other party isn’t abusing rights or misusing power. Political parties also serve to recruit and nominate candidates for office; they select candidates and support them by raising money. Parties help to educate the public about political issues, and to represent many different viewpoints on political topics. Political Parties also serve to operate the government, and dispense patronage. Patronage is favors given to people who are loyal to the party, and can include jobs, contracts and appointments to government positions. Finally, political parties often reduce conflict within a country. Political parties must appeal to many different groups of people in order to get elected. Therefore, they must compromise and be willing to listen to party members’ opinions.Roles of Political Parties5704205-121284Directions: Use the previous reading to complete the activities that follow.1. Define a political party.2. Complete the chart below.Type of Party SystemDescriptionAdvantagesDisadvantagesOne Party SystemTwo Party SystemMulti Party System3. List the purposes/roles of political parties.4. Using your list of purposes of political parties, match the pictures below with at least one purpose. Write the purpose in the space provided; briefly explain how the image matches the purpose.56007007937529629107937523812512700495300038100____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________4953000381002451100101600__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________2451100101600-63499101600____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________-634991016001426845-34924Source: azmanfam.files.2007/03/watchdog.jpg5. Evaluate the cartoon above. Identify which role/s of a political party are illustrated and explain how.________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________183769027305Source: 6. Evaluate the cartoon above. Identify which role/s of a political party are illustrated and explain how.________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________Campaigning & Elections-298449-34924Directions: Read the information below, and then answer the questions that follow.The main purposes of political parties are seen most during national elections. During this time, parties recruit candidates for public office and help them campaign, so that in the end the party can run the government. Political parties play an important role in influencing these elections. It is important to remember that individual states set the standards for the elections within their boundaries; they decide who votes and how districts will be created. However, district creation is influenced at the state level by political parties. Whichever party is in power at the time of redistricting, will certainly try to draw districts that help their party get elected, this is known as gerrymandering. It is important to remember that political parties are national, state and local organizations that influence political decisions at all levels, not just the national level.Presidential Elections/Running for OfficeDuring a Presidential election year Political Parties are very active in promoting their candidates. Presidential candidates begin by officially announcing their intentions to run and registering their campaign with the Federal Elections Commission (FEC). Campaigning sometimes begins up to 1-2 years before the November general election. Starting in January of the election year, states will hold a series of elections known as primaries. Instead of primaries some states provide for straw polls and caucuses. During these elections members of the political parties go to the polls to vote on who they want to represent their party in the November general election. In states like Maryland with closed primaries only those registered voters who have picked a political party are allowed to vote in these elections. Independent voters cannot vote in primaries in Maryland or any state with closed primary elections. When voters go to the polls for a primary election they receive a ballot that has only the names of candidates from their political party. In states with open primaries like South Carolina, independents can go to the polls and ask for the ballot for whichever party they want. Independents cannot get a ballot for each party, they must select one party. The more primary elections, caucuses and straw polls a candidate wins, the more likely s/he will be the party’s nominee in the general election (the one that takes place in November). Political parties meet periodically at the national level to revise the party platform (the ideas the party stands for on issues like Social Security, Defense, Unemployment, Immigration), and to select candidates for office. The most important public political party meeting is the nominating convention that happens every 4 years during the Presidential election cycle. In the summer before the November elections, each political party will meet to review its platform, but more importantly to select its candidates for the Presidential/Vice Presidential ticket. Delegates from each state attend the convention to cast their state’s votes for the candidates that their state wants to represent the party in the general election. The Vice Presidential candidate is chosen the party’s Presidential nominee. Often the Vice-Presidential nominee comes from a large state or region that the party wants to carry to win the general election.1. Put the following terms in the order in which they occur: General Election, Electoral College Votes, Primary Election, Announcing Intentions to Run.2. Compare a Primary Election to a General Election.3. What is a political party platform? List at least 3 planks (or issues) that could be a part of a political party platform.The Electoral College57151-164464?????When voters go to the polls every four years on the first Tuesday in November to cast their votes for a presidential candidate, they themselves are not directly electing the president. Instead, their votes are used to select their state's electoral college votes. The president is not officially elected until mid-December when the electoral college meets to cast its ballots. ?????The Constitution established the electoral college, composed of 538 electors—equal to the number of Representatives and Senators from each state and the District of Columbia. The Constitution prescribed that the college members meet in the 50 state capitals and the District of Columbia on the first Monday after the second Wednesday in December to elect the president. Congress counts the votes on January 6. The framers envisioned the electoral college as a group of well-educated men, picked by state legislatures, who unlike the general electorate would be well-informed and could overcome regional prejudices in order to choose the most well-qualified candidate for president. ?????The system worked well during the first presidential election, mainly because of the unanimous election of George Washington. The growth of party politics and popular democracy formed the "winner-take-all" system in which electors are selected in accordance with the popular vote and merely endorse voters' choices. ?????According to the Constitution, a candidate must have a majority of electoral votes in order to win the election. In the event that neither candidate has a majority, the House of Representatives chooses the president. ?????The electoral college has long been the target of political reformers who recommend proposals to alter the system in nearly every election. Most of the criticism is founded on the fact that it is possible to win the popular vote but lose the election. Three presidents were elected under these circumstances. Republicans Rutherford B. Hayes in 1876, Benjamin Harrison in 1888 and George W. Bush in 2000 won a majority of electoral votes even though their opponents, Samuel J. Tilden, Grover Cleveland and Al Gore, respectively, had won the popular vote. ?????Very small and very large states benefit from the electoral-college system. Small states benefit because even the least populated states have a minimum of three electors--one representing the state's delegate to the House of Representatives and two electors for the state's senators. Since populous states have such a large bloc of electoral votes, candidates tend to focus their attention on them. ?????Constitutional amendments to end the electoral college have been proposed in Congress over 500 times, yet the system remains intact today. Change will most likely occur when an election crisis arises.Excerpted From:Title: Chapter 15: The VoteSource: What Citizens Need to Know About Government Author: ProQuest Information and LearningPublication Date: 2004Page Number: Database: SIRS Interactive Citizenship Service: SIRS Knowledge Source <; Electing the President – The Electoral CollegeDirections: Use the map below, and what you know about the Electoral College to answer the questions that follow.Source: electoral-1. What is the minimum number of electoral votes in a state? ________2. Which state has the most votes, and how many? _________________3. Which region (NW, W, SE, NE, Midwest) has the highest number of electoral votes? __________________ 4. What can be inferred about population in the region you named in question 3? 5. What is the minimum number of states you would have to win to become president. Use the chart below to calculate your answer.State NameElectoral Votes6. Do we still need the Electoral College, or should we use only the popular vote? Explain why or why not.Money Makes the World Go Round575945051435Directions: Read the information that follows, then complete the chart below. Paying for ElectionsCampaigning for office costs a lot of money; candidates have to pay for transportation, lodging, meals, and advertising. If you are an incumbent (you currently hold the office and are running for reelection) it is much easier and often cheaper to get reelected than if you are a newcomer. Incumbents have name recognition, and experience that newcomers do not, so voters are more likely to cast their ballots for the known candidate over the unknown candidate. Political parties play an important role in elections. They help raise money for candidates, and get other party members to support candidates. If the race is especially close or in an important district political parties will put a lot of money into the candidate so that s/he can win that race. In order to pay for these campaigns political parties seek contributions from individuals, businesses, professional organizations, labor unions, and other groups. Prior to the 1970’s there were few restrictions on campaign contributions, however concern arose over the influence that wealthy individuals and organizations had over candidates whose elections they helped to fund. Congress passed laws about how much money can be given to a party or candidate in order to prevent any one person or group from becoming too influential. Under these laws there are two categories of donations: hard money and soft money. Money given directly to a candidate is known as hard money; money given to the party is known as soft money. An individual can contribute up to $1000 to a specific candidate and $25,000 to the party’s general fund per year. -292092280920IPACs PACs or Political Action Committees were created as a result of the new campaign finance restrictions passed in the 1970s. The purpose of a PAC is to raise money for candidates that the PAC wants to support. Any citizen or organization can create a PAC, but they must register with the government, and can only contribute $5,000 to an individual candidate. Individual citizens can contribute up to $5,000 to a PAC, however, PACs can contribute to as many candidates as they want, and as much as they want to the party itself. Interest groups are a group of people who come together because they share a common view of a particular issue/s. Interest groups support specific candidates for office who agree with their views. These groups often create PACs to help influence campaigns. Interest groups also use lobbyists (people who meet with government officials to try and influence them about their interest groups issues) to help influence political decision making. Interest groups not only provide campaign finances through PACs, they also provide information and expertise about particular issues as well as testify about proposed bills. Unlike political parties, interest groups are very narrowly focused around one or a few issues: abortion, gun rights, free trade, and will support candidates regardless of their party affiliation. Read each characteristic and place a check in the column of the term it describes. There can be more than 1 check for each characteristic.Description/CharacteristicPolitical PartyInterest GroupPACA group of people with common political ideas about how government should work.Used to raise money for a candidateUsually have a specific issue they are concerned withAddress a broad range of issuesMust register contributions with the governmentUsually support individual candidates instead of a partyWorks to get candidates elected for officeInfluence the political process and campaignsTestify before congressUse lobbyists to get their issues heardPaying For ElectionsDirections: Use the chart to answer the questions that follow1143002336801. Which type of race does it cost more to run?2. Describe the trend on the top chart.3. Describe the trend on the bottom chart.4. What influence can wealthy individuals and businesses have on Congressional elections?Voting 529336017145Historically, suffrage (the right to vote) has been an exclusive right. In 1824, only four Americans in 100 had the right to vote in presidential elections. Neither women nor slaves could vote; nor could men, unless they owned property. Since 1824, several amendments have been passed which give more people the constitutional right to vote. The 15th Amendment in 1870 removed race as a barrier. The 19th Amendment in 1920 granted suffrage to women. The 24th Amendment in 1964 abolished the poll tax in federal elections. The 26th Amendment in 1971 lowered the minimum voting age to 18. The Voting Rights Act of 1965 guaranteed federal protection of minority rights to vote. Although the federal government has taken many steps to protect the rights of individuals to vote, it is ultimately up to the states to regulate the process. States are required (by the Supremacy Clause) to set their voting standards in accordance with the Constitution and federal laws. Voting standards may be different from state to state, but in general most states have the following requirements/restrictions in common: ?????? Citizenship: Voters must be citizens before voting in local, state or national elections. ?????? Residency: A person must live in the political district where the election takes place. Generally, the residency requirement is a minimum of 30 days. All states provide absentee ballots in case a person cannot get to the polls on Election Day. The voter mails the ballot without having to appear in person. This is especially important for members of the armed forces and for college students who want to vote in their hometowns. ?????? Other limitations: A person must be at least 18 years old to vote. Convicted felons and those judged legally incompetent, such as people committed to mental institutions, are prohibited from voting. Low Voter Turn Out?????Of those eligible to vote, many do not do so for several reasons: ?????? Fear or ignorance: Some people think the process of voting is too difficult. They do not understand how to operate the voting machine. They are confused by the campaign, haven't had time to decide, or don't know where to vote. ?????? Disillusionment: Some feel their vote doesn't make any difference, or they do not have a candidate or party preference. Negative campaign advertising alienates some voters. ?????? Inconvenience: Poll-closing at 7 p.m. and Tuesday elections discourages some working people from voting. ?????? One-party control: One political party may appear to have already won, so what is the point in voting. ?????? Apathy: A person may not know or care about an election. ?????? Registration: Almost all states require registration at least 30 days before Election Day. Many citizens forget to re-register after moving from one precinct to another. ?????American voter participation reached its peak in 1960 when nearly 63 percent of eligible voters took part in elections. After the assassination of President Kennedy, voter participation began to slide. Some political observers believe this is due to the negativity of elections. By 1996, voter turnout had fallen to 49 percent--the lowest percentage since the election of 1924. With the exception of citizens 65 and over, the voting rate declined in all age categories. Title: Chapter 15: The VoteSource: What Citizens Need to Know About Government Author: ProQuest Information and LearningPublication Date: 2004Page Number: Database: SIRS Interactive Citizenship Service: SIRS Knowledge Source <; Voter Turn-out-55244-215899Directions: Use the previous article to answer the questions that follow.1. Define Suffrage and explain how it has been expanded over time.2. List 3 requirements for people who want to vote.3. Who can not vote?4. Give 5 reasons why people do not vote.Directions: Use the graphic to the left to answer the questions that follow.114300958851. In which type of election do people tend to vote more often? Why do you think this is?2. What has happened to voter participation since the 1960’s?3. What impact does lack of participation have on the political process?Voting Patterns4680585-121284?????"Bad officials," it has been said, "are elected by good citizens who do not vote." Politicians and pollsters often attempt to analyze voting patterns. They have found that men are more likely to vote than women. However, that has been changing in recent years. This became evident in the 1988 general election when women outvoted men by a margin of 58 percent to 56 percent. The trend continued in the 1992 and 1996 elections. High-income people go to the polls more often than those with low income; college graduates more than those with less education; middle-aged people more than young people--those under 25 have the worst voting record; and professional people more frequently than laborers. Among the most important influences on whether or not a person votes, and how he or she votes, are the attitudes and practices of the voter's parents. White males are more likely to vote for Republicans and minorities are more likely to vote for Democrats. Voters can be influenced based on their ethnic background, religion, political party affiliation, geographic location, income level, education level, marital status, gender. There is virtually an unlimited list of outside influences on voters. Politicians spend a lot of time and money studying who votes and why so that they can court the votes of specific groups.Title: Chapter 15: The VoteSource: What Citizens Need to Know About Government Author: ProQuest Information and LearningPublication Date: 2004Page Number: Database: SIRS Interactive Citizenship Service: SIRS Knowledge Source <; Directions: Use the graphic to answer the following questions.25222202222501. What percentage of voters are under 24 years old?2. What percentage of voters is between 45-64 years old?3. How does the percentage of voters over 65 compare to their total numbers in the general population? How will this impact public policy?Influencing Public Opinion – Media ?????Americans are provided with information from the moment they get up in the morning until they go to bed at night. Radio and television newscasts are on the air 24 hours a day in many places. Even congressional proceedings are brought into American living rooms through cable television. 5678170-207644?????In general, newspapers deliver the most news, the Internet, television and radio deliver news first, and weekly newsmagazines (as well as documentaries in other news media) deliver the deepest coverage because they have a longer time to gather facts. The Internet, television and radio are able to deliver news almost instantaneously. Within one half hour of its occurrence, two-thirds of the American people knew of John F. Kennedy's assassination in 1963. If newspapers had been the sole news source, people would not have learned about it until the following morning. When the Declaration of Independence was signed, it took more than a month for the news to travel by ship to England. Today, news travels around the globe by satellite in just a few moments. Research indicates that television has the most influence on public opinion. Ninety-eight percent of American households have one television set; a majority have two or more. At least one of those TV sets is on in every household for more than seven hours a day. According to a U.S. Department of Commerce study, over 41 percent of American households had Internet access in August 2000, up from 26 percent just two years earlier. ?????The media select what is newsworthy on the basis of who their audience is, how many people might be affected and if the item or event is timely. None of the media can report everything that happens in a given day. ?????Those who seek to influence government rely on the media for publicity. The president, as chief executive of the nation, gets tremendous exposure. The president's activities are newsworthy; people want to know the president's daily schedule. Through regularly scheduled press conferences and briefings by the White House staff, the president's views on issues are continually presented to the public. Members of Congress and other officials also utilize the press to express their views. ?????While a free press is essential to a free society, its power to influence public opinion should not be underestimated. Advertising revenues pay the costs of running a newspaper or broadcast station. While journalists are guided by a professional code of ethics to report the news accurately and completely, the influence of advertising on the media continues to be a controversial issue. The growing costs of producing news often leads to the closing down of small operations or to their purchase by large corporations. In many cities, competing newspapers are actually owned by one company. Many Americans fear this potential monopoly of the news and the censorship that could result. Public Opinion PollsIn order for government to be responsive to citizens, constant measures of public opinion are taken and evaluated. When controversial issues face the Congress, legislators receive letters from citizens for or against the issue. Some legislators regularly send questionnaires to voters in their districts in order to find out what people think. Newspapers sometimes send a reporter out to a shopping mall to ask people who walk by how they feel about current issues. The results are printed in the paper. Candidates for public office question people over the phone about issues of importance. Campaign platforms are built on public opinion. The winner builds his or her political agenda on the opinions voiced. ?????Exit polling, asking voters how they voted as they leave the voting booth, has become an instrumental part of election night coverage. The limitations of exit polling were made apparent during the 2000 presidential election, when the major networks reversed their prediction as to which candidate had won the state of Florida not once, but twice. The polling in this election also caused controversy because Florida is in two time zones – since the state had already been called for one candidate this caused some people in the panhandle of Florida in the next time zone not to vote.?????Polling has now become a major element in every part of the political process. Some fear the omnipresence of polls and feel that legislation is being molded with polls in mind. Still others say that constant polling during election campaigns has taken priority over hard news reporting on important public issues. It is also often pointed out that polls are open to manipulation by wording questions in such a way as to get the "proper" response. Title: Chapter 13: Press, Polls, LobbiesSource: What Citizens Need to Know About Government Author: ProQuest Information and LearningPublication Date: 2004Page Number: n.p.Database: SIRS Interactive Citizenship Service: SIRS Knowledge Source <; Influences on Public PolicyMedia & PollingDirections: Use what you know about media and polling, as well as the information provided to answer the questions that follow.4229100965201. Which type of media do you think has the greatest impact on spreading news?2. What is a poll and how are polls used by politicians?3. Based on the graphic to the right, how does the phrasing of a question impact the polling data?4. What are the advantages and disadvantages of polling?4330700381000Source: SIRS Knowledge Source Interactive Citizenship4330700381000You Have a Say!-48259-207644A representative democracy is based on the idea that the government gets its power from the consent of the governed. For a representative democracy to work effectively for the people, the people must participate in the government. There are many ways that citizens can participate in government, these include: writing letters/e-mails/faxes, petitions, boycotts, testifying (in front of Congress, local or state government bodies), attending and speaking at public government meetings, peaceful protests, voting, and joining a political party or political organization. The effectiveness of citizen action, depends on the response that is chosen for the problem.Directions: First list the different ways citizens can participate in government. Then read each scenario and decide which act of participation would have the most influence on the situation.1. List the ways a citizen can participate in government.2. Case Studies-48259171450A. A new skateboarding ordinance goes into effect banning all skateboarders from using public sidewalks and roads. All skateboarding is restricted to designated skate parks. You and your friends are upset about this ordinance. What is the best way to get it changed and why?________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________B. There is a law being proposed to raise the minimum driving age in Maryland to 18. You are upset about this proposal; how can you keep this from becoming a law? Why will this work the best?________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________C. You have been unhappy with many decisions that Congress has made in this term. Your Representative and Senators have voted for many bills that you disagree with. What is your best option for influencing government and why?________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________D. The Board of County Commissioners is deciding on the Board of Education’s budget. There is a public hearing scheduled for the following week. You support the school board’s budget, but the Commissioners are talking about cutting funding. What is your best option for influencing government and why?________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________E. Congress declared war on another country. You disagree/agree with this war. What is the best way to show your views and why?-4825923495________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ................
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