Civics-Final

U.S. citizen

A citizen is a member of a state with rights and duties. People can become citizens by birth, naturalization, or being born in U.S. territories.

Duties of a U.S. citizen

Duties include obeying laws, paying taxes, defending the nation, and serving in court.

Rights of U.S. citizens

Rights include government protection and freedoms.

Evolution of U.S. citizenship

Citizenship has expanded to include African Americans, women, and Native Americans through key amendments.

Naturalization process

It involves completing an application, attending an interview, passing a civics exam, and taking an oath of allegiance.

Loss of U.S. citizenship

Loss can occur through expatriation, denaturalization, or committing serious crimes like treason.

Categories of foreign-born residents

Legal aliens (permanent or temporary residents) and illegal aliens.

Duties vs. Responsibilities of U.S. citizens

Duties are required actions like paying taxes; responsibilities are encouraged actions like voting.

Functions of government

Government maintains order, provides security, offers public services, and guides the community.

Types of government

Democracy, constitutional monarchy, and authoritarian regimes (dictatorships, monarchies).

Federal system of government

Power is divided between national, state, and local governments in the U.S.

Mayflower Compact

The first agreement for self-government in America, signed by the Pilgrims in 1620.

House of Burgesses

The first representative assembly in America, established in Virginia in 1619.

Stamp Act, Sugar Act, Townshend Act

British-imposed taxes that created unrest and contributed to the desire for independence.

Shays's Rebellion

A protest by farmers in 1786-87 that exposed the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation.

Significance of the Declaration of Independence

It justified the colonies' break from Britain, listing grievances and asserting the right to self-governance.

Weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation

The Articles lacked power to tax, regulate trade, and enforce laws, and had no executive or judicial branches.

Magna Carta

A 1215 document that limited the power of the English king and established fundamental rights like due process.

English Bill of Rights

A 1689 document that further limited the monarchy’s powers and established civil liberties, like freedom of speech.

Glorious Revolution

The 1688 overthrow of King James II, leading to a constitutional monarchy in England.

Boston Tea Party

A 1773 protest against British taxation that led to the Intolerable Acts.

Legislature

The body responsible for creating laws.

Mercantilism

An economic theory focused on accumulating wealth through trade.

Popular sovereignty

The principle that the government’s power comes from the people.

Federalism

The sharing of power between national and state governments.

Constitution

A detailed, written plan for government.

Bicameral legislature

A legislature divided into two parts or houses.

Bill of Rights

A list of rights and freedoms guaranteed to citizens.

Confederation

A group of individual state governments united for a common purpose.

Northwest Ordinance

Set up a government for the Northwest Territory and provided a plan for admitting new states.

Constitutional Convention

The meeting in 1787 where delegates from the states created a new plan of government.

Virginia Plan

A proposal for a strong national government with a president, courts, and a two-house Congress.

New Jersey Plan

A proposal to keep the Confederation's one-house Congress with each state having one vote.

Great Compromise

The agreement to create a two-house Congress, with equal representation in the Senate and representation based on population in the House.

Three-Fifths Compromise

Agreement to count three-fifths of the enslaved population for representation and taxation.

Electoral College

The group that selects the president and vice president.

Main parts of the Constitution

Preamble, 7 Articles, and 27 Amendments.

Purpose of Article I

It outlines legislative powers and responsibilities of Congress.

Article II

Establishes the executive branch led by the President.

Article III

Sets up the judicial branch and the Supreme Court.

Amendment process

Proposed by 2/3 of Congress or a national convention and ratified by 3/4 of states.

Popular Sovereignty

The power of government comes from the consent of the people.

Limited Government and Rule of Law

The government can only do what the people allow, and the law applies to everyone.

Separation of Powers

The division of government into three branches with distinct powers.

Checks and Balances

Each branch of government can limit the power of the other branches.

Civil Liberties

Freedoms protected by law from governmental interference.

First Amendment protections

Religion, speech, press, assembly, and petition.

Establishment Clause

Prohibits establishing an official religion.

Free Exercise Clause

Protects the right to practice one's religion.

Censorship

Banning or restricting materials.

Rights of the Accused

Protected under the Fourth, Fifth, Sixth, and Eighth Amendments.

Fourth Amendment

Requires probable cause for searches.

Fifth Amendment

Protects against double jeopardy and self-incrimination.

Eighth Amendment

Prohibits excessive bail and cruel and unusual punishment.

Civil War Amendments

Include the 13th (abolished slavery), 14th (defined citizenship), and 15th (prohibited voting discrimination based on race).

Civil Rights Movement

A movement that challenged segregation and discrimination, leading to landmark legislation.

Montgomery Bus Boycott

A key event in the Civil Rights Movement.

Civil Rights Act of 1964

Legislation that resulted from the Civil Rights Movement.

Requirements to become President

At least 35 years old, a native-born citizen, and have lived in the U.S. for at least 14 years.

Milestones in U.S. presidential demographics

John F. Kennedy (First Roman Catholic), Barack Obama (First African American president).

Electing a President

Through the Electoral College system, requiring 270 electoral votes to win.

House of Representatives role in presidential elections

Selects the president if no one receives a majority of votes.

Presidential term

4 years, with a limit of two terms (or 10 years if serving mid-term).

Annual salary of the U.S. President

$400,000, along with additional funds for personal and travel expenses.

Role of the Vice President

Presides over the Senate, casts tie-breaking votes, and can succeed the president if necessary.

Presidential Succession Act of 1947

Establishes the order of succession if the president cannot fulfill their duties.

Specific powers of the President

Vetoing bills, calling Congress into special session, making treaties, and appointing officials.

President’s Cabinet

Composed of heads of 15 departments who advise the president and implement policies.

Political party

A group of people with similar political beliefs and goals that seeks to influence government policy by getting candidates elected.

Voting eligibility in the U.S.

U.S. citizens aged 18 and older who meet state residency requirements.

Purpose of elections

To choose representatives and decide on laws and policies.