GHSGT PREPARATION

GOVERNMENT AND CIVICS

CONTENT DESCRIPTION Government/Civics (18% of the test) Assesses the philosophical foundations of

the United States government and how the structure and functions of government developed (local, state, and national) and the relationship between the federal government, the states and individual citizens.

The Declaration of Independence Based on social contract theories of British

Political Philosopher--John Locke (1632-1704) A government’s power comes from the consent of

the people. (a social contract)-Jefferson declared that people the right to abolish an oppressive government and establish a new one.

All people are born free and equal, with natural rights to life, liberty, and property.-Jefferson changed the last of these to pursuit of happiness.

Foundational Principles of the Constitution

Rule of law (Written law restricts the government’s power) Federalism (balance of local, state, and national government) Popular sovereignty (the government serves the people) Separation of powers (prevents the

concentration and abuse of power) Checks and balances (Allows

branches of government to restrain each others powers)

Ratification of the Constitution Debate centered on the need for a strong

central government versus state rights and individual rights

James Madison, Alexander Hamilton and John Jay argued for a stronger central government in The Federalist Papers—they were concerned that regional factions might split up the country.

The Legislative Branch Article I of the Constitution describes the powers,

roles, and responsibilities of the legislative branch Law-making powers of Congress (Senate and

House of Representatives) Law-making process (how a bill becomes a law) Other responsibilities of government: budget,

federal appointments, etc. Describe the system of checks and balances by

citing the checks and balances involved in the passing of a bill (e.g., presidential review and judicial review).

How a Bill Becomes a Law

Legislative Branch-CongressMembership of the House of Representatives

1. Each state represented proportional to their population

2. 435 total members3. Representatives elected every 2 years

Membership of the Senate1. Each State elects two representatives2. 100 total members3. Senators elected for 6 year terms

Congressional Committees Two basic types of Committees

1. authorizing (establish policies)2. appropriations (funding)

Standing Committees (permanent)-19 in House, 17 in Senate- further divided into subcommittees (175 total)

Select Committees (special issues or investigations)

Joint Committees and Conference Committees -House and Senate Committees working together

Congressional Leadership

House

Speaker of the House House Majority Leader House Majority Whip House Minority Leader House Minority Whip

Senate

President= Vice-President (votes only as tie-breaker) President pro tempore Senate Majority Leader Senate Minority Leader

Powers of Congress expressed powers (Written in Constitution)

examples: Making Laws, FUNDING, Regulating Trade, Declaring War, Impeachment

Article I Section 8—known as the Elastic Clause -gives congress power to pass laws “necessary and proper” for doing its job.

Thus, Congress has Implied Powers. (not expressly written in the Constitution)

Checks and BalancesLegislative Branch

Powers Passes bills into law Over-ride Presidential veto by 2/3 vote Approval of Cabinet positions (Senate) “power of the Purse”

Checks on Powers President’s power to veto laws passed by

Congress Supreme Court’s power to rule laws

unconstitutional

The Executive Branch Article II gives power of Enforcement and

Implementation of federal law to the Executive Branch which is led by the President of the United States who is the Chief executive and chief agenda setter

Military power is under the President-he is the commander in chief of the armed forces

Diplomatic powers –negotiates agreements with other nations in the forms of treaties or executive agreements

- he is representative of the nation, chief of state, and foreign policy leader

The President is the party leader—the head of his/her political party

Checks and Balances Executive Branch

Powers

Approves or vetoes laws Carries out laws Appoints federal judges and officials Negotiates treaties

Checks on Powers Congress can override veto by 2/3 vote

Congress has power to approve spending Senate has power to approve appointments Senate approves treaties Congress can impeach

Impeachment Process Any person in the executive or judicial branch—

including the President--can be removed from office by the legislature using the Impeachment Process—a two step process

The 1st step involves impeachment—or indictment (charges passed in the House of Representatives by a simple majority)

The 2nd step involves a trial in the Senate—which requires a two thirds majority to remove a person from office

Example: President Clinton was impeached by the House but not convicted in the Senate trial.

The Cabinet Secretary of State – State Department (Relations

with Foreign Countries) Attorney General – Justice Department

(Chief Prosecutor for the Government) Secretary of Defense – In charge of all armed

forces including: Army, Navy, Air force, Marines, National Guard

(New Department) Homeland Security-combines several agencies such as FBI, CIA, and Immigration and Naturalization

Presidential Election Process Candidate announces candidacy Presidential primaries in each state to determine

delegates to party convention Party conventions elect President and Vice-Presidential

nominees General Election Campaign between major party

candidates General Election –each state’s popular vote is converted

to a winner take all electoral vote Electoral College votes based on electoral vote totals

The Judicial Branch Article III establishes the Supreme Court --

Main role is Interpretation of the law-Judicial Review (Interpreting the Constitution)

Federal court system (three levels) Supreme Court (1- 9 Justices)Circuit Court of Appeals (13 Circuits)US District Courts (94 - 1 to 4 in each state)

Checks and BalancesJudicial Branch

Powers

Interprets the meaning of Constitution and laws Rules on constitutionality of laws passed by congress

and actions of the Executive Branch

Checks on Powers Congress and States have the power to amend the

Constitution Senate has authority to refuse appointments to the

federal courts Congress can impeach a federal judge

Powers of the Federal Government

Powers of the State Governments

Powers Shared by Federal and

State

Responsibilities of Citizenship participation in the community respect for the property and views of others paying taxes obeying the law voting serving on a jury registering for military duty keeping informed on current issues

Citizens Rights - The Bill of Rights1. Freedom of religion, speech, press, assembly, petition2. Right to bear arms3. No quartering of troups without permission4. No search and seizure without a warrant5. Rights of the accused to remain silent6. Right to a speedy trial7. Right to a jury trial in civil cases8. Rights to reasonable bail, fines and punishments9. Powers reserved to the people10. Powers reserved to the states

Other Key Amendments 14th-Equal protection under the law for all

persons born in the United States 15th-Gave African American males voting

rights 17th –Direct election of Senators 19th –Gave women voting rights 24th –Abolished the poll tax 26th –Extended voting rights to 18 year olds

Political Parties Democratic Party (established in 1828)

-promote strong central government that support the rights of the poor and

minorities- more taxes for wealthy

Republican Party (established in 1854)- support smaller central government with more state and local control- less taxes for wealthy and

businesses