SS Test Topic 2- You and Your Government

What does the phrase “the common good” mean?

The things that are best for the whole community.

What are some general roles citizens have to fill?

Paying taxes, obeying the law, serving the jury, voting, and working to make your community better. You also have roles from being a student, volunteer or teacher.

Define the “rule of law”.

The idea that everyone must follow the law.

Why is the rule of law important when applied to the government?

It means nobody is above the law and everyone must obey it. It is important when it's applied to the government because they still have to follow the same rules as everyone else.

Why are jury trials important parts of American society?

Then the judges have to convince ordinary people if someone is guilty or not. If the people vote think the person is guilty or the majority thinks they're guilty, they’ll go to jail.

Define “civic engagement”.

Participating in one's community.

Participating in Government

Trying out for different government positions, or town positions and joining special interest groups, or even grassroots movements.

Influencing the Government

Going to campaigns or rallies, and joining special interests groups, or other groups that can influence the government.

Staying Informed

Going to town meetings, following social media, and listening to the news.

Serving the Community

Volunteering for places that need extra help and that can improve your town.

Define “public policy”.

The government's response to a public problem.

What are interest groups and what are specific ways they influence public policy?

Big professional groups that are put together with people who have similar beliefs on one specific matter. They will go and spread the word of that matter and put together rallies, and they can influence the people to work towards a common goal.

What are grassroots movements and what are specific ways they influence public policy?

Campaigns or movements where ordinary people get together to try to make a change in public policy.

What are political parties and what are specific ways they influence public policy?

Groups that work together to gain political power. They influence public policy by having professionals run them and hiring people around them that believe in the same ideas.

Define "public servant".

Someone who works for the government.

What are examples of unelected public servants?

Police, firefighters, teachers and military.

Define “qualification”.

A condition someone has to meet in order to do something.

What are different types of qualifications for public office?

Age, citizenship, and residency. These three categories vary for every position in the public office.

What are some of the major steps to running for public office?

Educating yourself on the qualifications, signing papers to get your name on the ballot, fundraising, going to conferences, speaking about your ideas, and trying to get more votes by sharing how you will make the U.S. better.

Why is it important to monitor what the government is doing?

You can find out what your government is doing, figure out if you agree with it and think about how you can help.

What is government transparency?

Letting the people see what the government is doing. That means that some documents and meetings are open to the public.

What are ways the government must act to be "transparent"?

Sharing public documents and having open meetings with notes and lists of things that are gonna happen.

What is the Freedom of Information Act?

A rule that ordinary citizens can ask the government to release private information early, and sometimes the government even has to give it to them.

Using the Media

Following the news on social media and TVs to see what is going on in the government.

Attending Meetings

Hearing people speak, seeing public documents and notes from meetings, learning everyone's opinions and ideas, and hearing people's public comments.

Learning from Others

If you know someone in the government you can hear news from the government and other things that happen, have some opinions or bias.

Interest Group Reports

Put reports together with people who have similar beliefs

Listening to Officials

Hear what they think in conferences and speeches, listen to campaigns and see who officials vote for.