sigma

Citizenship

Citizenship is defined in which amendment? 14

Ways to become a U.S. Citizen

birth, naturalization

1st amendment Rights

Due Process is described in which two amendments? 1) 5th 2) 14th

Civic Duties

You MUST do these things as a citizen: Pay taxes, Obey laws, Serve as a juror if summoned

Civic Responsibilities

You SHOULD do these things as a citizen, but you are NOT required: Registering to Vote, Respecting Others' Opinions, Volunteering

Traits of a Good Citizen

Trustworthiness and honesty, Courtesy and respect for the rights of others, Responsibility, accountability, and self-reliance, Respect for the law, Patriotism, Thoughtful decision-making, Service to the school and community

Primary source

A document, first-hand account, or other source that constitutes direct evidence of an object of study

Secondary source

A book, article, or other source that provides information about an object of study, but it is not direct, first-hand evidence

Democracy

System of government in which the people rule

Consent of the Governed

Citizens give authority to the government in exchange for the protection of their rights

Limited Government

Government is not all-powerful; it may only do those things people have given it the power to do

Rule of Law

Everyone, including government officials must follow the law

Representative Government

People elect public officeholders to make laws and conduct government on the people's behalf

Political Party

A group of citizens, who share common ideas, want their candidates elected, and give opportunities for members to participate in politics.

Two major political parties

Republicans and Democrats

Functions of political parties

recruit and nominate candidates for office, help candidates win elections, educate people about campaign issues, monitor the actions of officeholders

Media's role in elections

viewpoints from both sides are provided, identify the candidates, Emphasize selected issues, write and publish editorials, political cartoons, op-ed pieces

Evaluating election information

separate fact from opinion, identify propaganda, detect bias, evaluate sources

Effects of Rising Campaign Costs

Requires candidates to fundraise more, Limits opportunities to run for public office, Gives advantages to wealthy individuals who run for office, Encourages the development of political action committees (PACs) and Super PACs, Gives special interest groups more influence when they donate money to a campaign

Qualifications to Vote in Virginia

Be a U.S. citizen, Be a resident of Virginia and precinct, Be 18 years old by Election day.

Ways to register to vote in Virginia

DMV (Department of Motor Vehicles), Registrar's Office, mail, online

Ways to vote in Virginia

In person at your polling place, Early voting in person at the Registrar's Office, Absentee Ballot (mail your vote)

Factors in Voting

People are MORE likely to vote if they have: More age, More education, More money

Reason people do not vote

voter apathy (lack of caring)

Electoral votes needed to win presidency

20

U.S. House of Representatives

The state's number of U.S. House of Representatives + the state's number of U.S. Senators = number of state's electoral votes

Articles of Confederation

The current government of the US was called the Articles of Confederation.

Problems from Articles of Confederation

Country was in debt from war, trade policies were not consistent, economy was poor, Americans felt unsafe, but the Federal government had no power to do anything.

Constitutional Convention

To try and fix the problems from the old constitution, the Founding Fathers met in Philadelphia, PA.

Federalism

Shared power between national and state governments.

Separation of Powers

Checks and balances between the three branches.

Virginia Plan

Legislature has two chambers, votes based on state's population, larger states would have more power.

New Jersey Plan

Legislature would have one chamber, each state gets one vote, smaller states have equal power.

Great Compromise

The two plans were combined to form the Great Compromise, resulting in a bicameral legislature.

Bicameral Legislative

Meaning two branches: Senate (Upper House) and House of Representatives (Lower House).

Ratification

The Constitution was completed in 1787, which required 9/13 states to ratify.

Constitution Purposes

Established structure of Government, guaranteed equality under the law, affirmed individual worth and dignity of all people, protected fundamental freedoms.

RAPPS

The fundamental freedoms protected by the Constitution.

Preamble

The introduction to the Constitution outlining the purposes of government.

Amendments

Changes to the Constitution.

Article V

The article that goes over the Amendment process.

Living Document

The Constitution is called a 'living document' because it adapts and changes.

Total Amendments

There are 27 amendments total.

Purpose of Amendments

Amendments protect our rights & freedoms.

Amendment Process Complexity

The Amendment process is complex.

Due Process

Protects citizens from being held for a crime unless they are charged

States' Rights

Powers not given to the national govt are reserved for the states

Equal Protection

Grants Citizenship to all people born in the US; gives Due Process to the states

Right to Vote

All men have the right to vote (not based on race)

Income Tax

Congress can tax personal and business incomes

Women's Suffrage

Women have the right to vote

DC Electors

DC can have electors to vote for the president in the Electoral College

End of Poll Tax

End the poll tax for voting

Voting Age (18)

All citizens 18 or older can vote (down from 21)

Federal Judicial Branch Powers

Listed in Article III of the US Constitution

U.S. Supreme Court

Only one court (highest court) with final decisions, appellate jurisdiction and limited original jurisdiction, 9 justices, no jury

U.S. Court of Appeals

No jury, panel of 3+ judges, appellate jurisdiction over cases appealed from the District Court

U.S. District Courts

1 judge, with or without a jury, original jurisdiction only, trial court

Judicial Review

Ability to decide if a law or an executive order is Constitutional, established by Marbury v. Madison

DUAL COURT SYSTEM

The existence of federal courts and state courts

Virginia's State Court System

Starts at the bottom with the district courts, including General District Courts and Juvenile and Domestic Relations Courts

Juvenile and Domestic Relations Courts

Original jurisdiction only, presided by a judge only, decisions may be appealed to VA Appeals Court

General District Courts

Original jurisdiction only, presided by a judge only, decisions may be appealed to VA Circuit Court

Circuit Court

Original and appellate jurisdiction, presided by a judge and sometimes a jury, decisions may be appealed to VA Court of Appeals

VA Court of Appeals

Appellate only jurisdiction, presided by 17 judges, decisions may be appealed to VA Supreme Court

VA Supreme Court

Appellate and limited original jurisdiction, presided by 7 justices, no jury, generally final decisions

Due Process of Law

Protections against unfair governmental actions and laws

Civil Case

A disagreement between two parties to recover damages or receive compensation

Criminal Case

A court proceeding to decide whether a person accused of breaking the law is guilty or not guilty of a crime

Criminal case process

Person is arrested/accused of a crime, Defendant goes to an arraignment, Both sides take some time to gather evidence and check the facts, Prosecutor and defense attorney negotiate to see if they can reach an agreement, Enter a plea and go to trial, Verdict, and possible sentencing and appeal.

Amendment 10 (X)

Indicates powers that are not delegated to the national government are reserved to the states.

Responsibilities of State Government

Promote Public Health, Promote Public Safety, Promote Public Well-Being - responsible for the state programs concerning all residents.

Legislative Branch

Makes Laws for the State and consists of the General Assembly - Which is the VA Senate and the VA House of Delegates.

Executive Branch

Executes (Carries-Out) the laws and is headed by the Governor.

Judicial Branch

Interprets Laws for the State and consists of VA Supreme Court and state courts.

Virginia's Legislature

Called the General Assembly and is bicameral, just like the U.S. Congress.

How a bill becomes a law

Delegate or Senator introduces a bill, sends it to a committee for review, debates on the floor, votes on by both houses, and sends to the Governor.

Bill to Law Differences

The Governor can sign and veto bills, can also line item veto one or more parts of a bill, and make changes and additions (amendments).

Most state laws

Have to do with Budget, Health, Environment, Revenue, and Education.

Governor's roles

Includes chief executive of the state, similar to the vice president, and gives legal advice to the governor and other state officials.

Help for the Governor

The Governor has cabinet Secretaries and departments, agencies, Commissions, and regulatory boards that administer and enforce laws of Virginia.

Virginia Supreme Court

The highest court in Virginia.

Virginia State Courts

Hears cases pertaining to crimes and disputes in Virginia.

Virginia Courts

Includes Virginia Supreme Court, Virginia Court of Appeals, Circuit Court, General District Court.

Counties

There are 95 in Virginia.

Independent Cities

There are 38 in Virginia.

Towns

There are 7 in Loudoun.

Board of Supervisors

Elected board that exercises legislative powers, enacting ordinances and adopting an annual budget.

Manager

May be hired by the elected legislative branch to oversee the operations of the local government.

School Board

Elected or appointed board that oversees the operation of the K-12 public schools in the county.

Town Council

Elected council that exercises legislative powers, enacting ordinances and adopting an annual budget.

Mayor

Elected by either the voters or the town council members.

City Council

Elected council that exercises legislative powers, enacting ordinances and adopting an annual budget.

Public Policy

Local governments may be required to formulate, adopt, and implement public policies in response to international issues and events.

Public Health Concerns

An example of an international issue that requires policy decisions by local government officials in the event of a pandemic.

Public Safety

An example of an international issue that requires policy decisions by local government officials in the event of an act of terrorism.

Economic Development Policies

Policies in response to the emerging global economy.

Environmental Protection Policies

Policies to protect the environment, such as wildlife protection.

Politics

Ways individuals influence public policy through voting, campaigning, and seeking office.

Opinions

Ways individuals influence public policy through lobbying, demonstrating, and writing letters.