Civics EOC Key Ideas Cheat Sheet

Fundamental Political Principles

• Popular Sovereignty:
  • People are the source of all government power.
  • Also known as "consent of the governed."
• Limited Government:
  • The government's power is limited by the people.
• Rule of Law:
  • Both the government and those who govern are bound by the law.
  • No one is above the law.
• Federalism:
  • Powers of government are divided between the state and national levels.
• Checks & Balances:
  • Each branch of government can limit the power of the other branches.
  • Prevents any one branch from becoming too powerful.
• Separation of Powers:
  • Government powers are divided into different branches.
  • Each branch has its specific job.

Citizenship

• 14th Amendment:
  • Defines citizenship: "All persons born or naturalized in the U.S., and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the U.S. and the state wherein they reside."
  • Immigration and naturalization have increased diversity.
• How to Become a Citizen:
  1. Birth:
     • Law of Blood: Citizenship based on parents' citizenship.
     • Law of Soil: Citizenship based on place of birth.
  2. Naturalization:
     • Must demonstrate knowledge of American history and government.
     • Must speak and write English.

Duties/Obligations of Citizens

• Citizens face legal consequences if they don't fulfill these:
  • Obey Laws
  • Pay Taxes
  • Register for selective service (male)
  • Serve on a jury
  • Serve in the armed forces if called

Responsibilities of Citizens

• Responsibilities are voluntary:
  • Register and vote
  • Hold elective office
  • Participate in political campaigns
  • Serve in voluntary, appointed positions
  • Influence government by communicating with officials
  • Keep informed regarding current issues
  • Respect others' rights to equal voice in government

Ways to Participate in Community Service

• Volunteer to support democratic institutions (e.g., League of Women Voters).
• Express concern about the welfare of the community as a whole (e.g., environment, public health and safety, and education).
• Help make the community a good place to work and live (becoming involved with public service organizations, tutoring, volunteering in nursing homes).

Bill of Rights & Other Amendments

• 1st Amendment:
  • Freedom of Religion, Assembly, Press, Petition, Speech
• 2nd Amendment:
  • Right to bear Arms
• 3rd Amendment:
  • No quartering of troops
• 4th Amendment:
  • No illegal searches and seizures
• 5th Amendment:
  • Rights of the Accused
  • Grand Jury
  • No "Double Jeopardy"
  • Freedom from self-incrimination
  • "Due Process"
  • Eminent Domain
• 6th Amendment:
  • More rights of Accused
  • Know charges
  • Know witnesses
  • Speedy public trial with impartial jury
  • Right to legal counsel (lawyer)
• 7th Amendment:
  • Right to jury trial in civil cases
• 8th Amendment:
  • No cruel or unusual punishment
  • Freedom from excessive fines/bail
• 9th Amendment:
  • People have rights even if not mentioned in Constitution
• 10th Amendment:
  • Powers not given to federal government are reserved for states
• 13th Amendment:
  • Abolishes slavery
• 14th Amendment:
  • Makes former slaves citizens
• 15th Amendment:
  • Right to vote regardless of race
• 19th Amendment:
  • Women's right to vote (suffrage)
• 22nd Amendment:
  • Two-term limit for President
• 23rd Amendment:
  • D.C. votes in general election
• 24th Amendment:
  • Abolishes poll taxes
• 26th Amendment:
  • Voting age from 21 to 18
• 18th Amendment:
  • Alcohol Illegal
• 21st Amendment:
  • Repeals 18th Amendment

Documents that Influenced the Development of America

• Magna Carta:
  • Influence: Limited government, rule of law, due process.
  • Limits the king's power; gives property rights; laws are to be fair and equal.
• English Bill of Rights:
  • Influence: Limited government (monarchy), rule of law.
  • Gave more power to parliament.
  • Monarchy not allowed to:
    • Collect taxes without consent of Parliament
    • Interfere with the right to free speech and debate in Parliament
    • Require excessive bail or punishment for those accused or convicted of crimes.
• Mayflower Compact:
  • Influence: Self-government.
  • Created government; new government will include everyone and serve the common good.
• Common Sense:
  • Influence: Self-government, purpose of government.
  • Explained arguments for independence from England.
• Declaration of Independence:
  • Stated grievances against the king of England.
  • Declared colonies' independence from England.
  • Stated "certain unalienable rights" (life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness).
  • Locke- Life, Liberty, Property, example of natural rights.
  • Stated whenever a government becomes destructive people have the right to abolish and start a new government (broken social contract according to Locke).
  • Established idea that all people are = under the law.
• Articles of Confederation:
  • Established first form of national government for U.S.
  • Maintained that major powers were with the independent states.
  • Weakness of central government (e.g., no power to tax and enforce laws) led to writing of the Constitution of the U.S.A.

Landmark Supreme Court Cases

• Marbury v. Madison:
  • Establishes judicial review
• Plessy v. Ferguson:
  • Segregation okay as long as "separate, but equal"
• Brown v. Board of Ed:
  • "Separate, but equal" no longer okay (segregation done)
• Gideon v. Wainwright:
  • Right to a lawyer in all trials
• Miranda v. Arizona:
  • Warning of 5th amendment right to remain silent before questioning
• In re Gault:
  • Juveniles have right to due process too
• Tinker v. Des Moines:
  • Students have right to free speech
• U.S. v. Nixon:
  • Presidents aren't above the law
• Hazelwood v. Kuhlmeier:
  • Schools allowed to censor student newspapers if they sponsor them
• Bush v. Gore:
  • Bush wins election/recount violates 14th
• D.C. v. Heller:
  • States can't ban gun ownership

Rights of Citizens

• First Amendment Freedoms (R.A.P.P.S.):
  • Religion: Government may not establish an official religion, nor endorse, or interfere with the free exercise of religion
  • Assembly: Individuals may peacefully gather.
  • Press: The press has the right to gather & publish info, including that which criticizes the government.
  • Petition: Individuals have the right to make their views known to public officials.
  • Speech: Individuals are free to express their opinions & beliefs without fear of government retaliation.

Due Process of Law

• Constitutional protection against unfair government actions
• Due process protections:
  • 5th Amendment: Prohibits national government from acting in an unfair manner.
  • 14th Amendment: Prohibits state/local governments from acting in an unfair manner. Extends due process protections to actions of states.
• The Supreme Court has extended the due process clauses to protect the guarantees of the Bill of Rights.

Constitution of the United States, including the Bill of Rights

• Preamble:
  • Purposes of U.S. Government: form a more perfect union, establish justice, ensure domestic peace, provide defense, promote health & safety, secure freedom for the future.
• Establishes structure of the U.S. Government
  • Article I - Legislative
  • Article II - Executive
  • Article III - Judicial
• Guarantees equality under the law with majority rule and the rights of the minority protected
• States individual worth and dignity of all people
• Protects the fundamental freedoms of religion, speech, press, assembly, and petition. Also due process rights, and rights of the accused.

Article V - Amend Constitution

• 2/3 of Congress must vote for the amendment.
• Then 3/4 of all state legislatures must vote to ratify.
• The Constitution is able to change with the time, but only if widely agreed upon.

Federal Form of Government

• The Constitution of the United States of America establishes a federal form of government in which the national government is supreme (Supremacy Clause).
• Federalism:
  • National: Powers of national government are either enumerated/delegated or implied
    • Conducts foreign policy/declare war
    • Regulate trade between states
    • Print money, naturalization laws
  • State: The powers not given to the national government by the Constitution are reserved for the states.
    • Elections, marriage, education
  • Concurrent Powers: Constitution allows national & state government to share some powers.
    • Ex: raise money through taxes, borrow money, pass laws, establish courts.
  • Local Government: Powers of local government in FL are derived from the state.

Structure of Government

• Different levels of government
• Local Government
  • Legislative: Makes ordinances for community, approves annual budget; limits power to that delegated by state
  • Executive: Elected or appointed by the Board of Supervisors or City Council; city or county managers hired by the local legislators
  • Judicial: County courts- Hear minor cases under the authority provided by state legislation
• Florida Government
  • Legislative: Makes laws for FL; approves budget; exercises power under 10th Amendment
  • Executive: Executes laws of FL; appoints cabinet officers and boards; administers state bureaucracy; grants pardons
  • Judicial:Supreme Court-Has power of judicial review over state laws. Circuit Courts-Try state civil and criminal cases. District Appeals Court- Hear state cases that are appealed.
• National Government
  • Legislative: Makes laws for nation; approves annual budget; approves presidential appointments/treaties; impeaches officials
  • Executive: Executes Constitution; prepares annual budget for Congressional action; appoints cabinet, ambassadors, federal judges; administers federal bureaucracy
  • Judicial: Supreme Court- Has power of judicial review over federal/state laws. Federal Courts- Try cases involving federal law and U.S. Constitution questions.

Bicameral Legislature

• Bicameral means "two houses"
  • Florida Legislature (FL Senate & FL House of Representatives)
  • United States Congress (Senate [2] & House of Rep [based on population])
• Legislative Powers
  • Enumerated/delegated (specifically listed in Constitution.)
  • Implied (not listed-carry out enumerated powers)
• How a Bill Becomes a Law (state and national)
  • Assigned to committee (debate & vote)
  • Debate/vote on floor of both houses
  • Conference committee merges bill
  • Both houses vote on merged bill
  • Sign bill into law by the Pres. or Gov.

Executive Branch

• Powers of the President are defined in the Constitution of the U.S. and the Governor in the Constitution of FL.
• Executive branch "carries out the law"
• Ways the executive influences policymaking
  • Appointing officials
  • Appealing directly to people
  • Approving or vetoing legislation
  • Proposing legislation in an annual speech to the legislature (State of the State or State of the Union Address)
• Cabinet departments, agencies, and regulatory commissions: interpret and help with carrying out laws.

Separation of Powers

• Idea of Montesquieu (enlightenment thinker)
  • Legislative - makes laws
  • Executive - enforces/carries out laws
  • Judicial - interprets laws

Checks & Balances

• Legislative powers over:
  • The executive branch
    • Overrides vetoes 2/3 vote both houses
    • Impeaches president
    • Senate approves treaties 2/3 vote
    • Senate approves presidential appointments
  • The judicial branch
    • Senate approves federal judges
    • Impeaches federal judges
• Executive powers over:
  • The legislative branch
    • Vetoes acts of Congress
    • Calls Congress into special sessions
  • The judicial branch
    • Appoints federal judges
• Judicial powers over:
  • The legislative branch
    • Declares laws unconstitutional
  • The executive branch
    • Declares presidential acts unconstitutional

Judicial Review

• Supreme courts of U.S. and FL determine constitutionality of laws and acts of executive branch of government.
• Marbury v. Madison 1803 established the idea of judicial review at the national level
  • Constitution of U.S. is supreme law of land
  • State laws must conform to FL and U.S. constitutions.

Qualifications for Office/Terms

• President
  • Natural Born Citizen
  • 35 years old
  • Resident of U.S. 14 years
  • Term - 4 years (maximum of 2)
• U.S. Senator (Congress)
  • 30 years old
  • Citizen of the U.S. for 9 years
  • Resident of the state you represent
  • Term - 6 years (no limits on times elected)
• U.S. Representative (Congress)
  • 25 years old
  • Citizen of the U.S. for 7 years
  • Resident of the state/district you represent
  • Term - 2 years (no limits on times elected)
• Federal Judge
  • No formal qualifications (usually lawyers)
  • Term - For life (until resign, death, impeached)
• FL Governor
  • 30 years old
  • Resident of FL 7 yrs
  • Term - 4 years (max of 2)
• FL State Legislator
  • 21 years old
  • Resident of FL 2 years
  • Resident of the district they will represent
  • FL Senators: Term - 4 years (maximum of 2)
  • FL Representatives: Term - 2 years (maximum of 4)

Voter Registration and Participation

• Only citizens who register can participate in primary and general elections.
• Qualifications to register to vote in FL
  • Citizen of the U.S.
  • Resident of FL & precinct
  • 18 years old by day of general election
• How to register in FL
  • In person at the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), other designated sites, or by mail application.
• Factors in predicting which citizens will vote:
  • Education/Age/Income
• Participation in Political Process Amendments
  • 13th (abolished slavery)
  • 14th (citizenship to former slaves/equal protection)
  • 15th (African-American suffrage)
  • 19th (Women's suffrage)
  • 23rd (D.C. vote)
  • 24th (abolishes poll taxes)
  • 26th (voting age 18)
• Law that helped participation: Voting Rights Act 1965 (enforces no poll taxes)

Functions of Political Parties

• Recruiting and nominating candidates
• Educating the electorate about campaign issues
• Helping candidates with elections
• Monitoring the actions of office holders

Party Systems

• One-Party: A single political party controls the government. Law forbids other political parties. Ex. dictatorships
• Two-Party: Two main political parties
• Multiparty: More than two strong political parties. Ex. some European countries

Pathway to Presidency

1. Meet qualifications
   • Natural Born Citizen
   • 35 years old
   • Resident of U.S. 14 years
2. Primaries and Caucuses
   • First round elections that help choose a party's candidate
3. Presidential National Conventions
   • Conventions where delegates formally select the party's nominee
4. General Election
   • Main election where anyone who meets the voting requirements of their state may vote (popular vote).
5. Electoral College
   • Group representing the states & D.C. meet to formally select the President guided by the popular vote. Known as the electoral vote.
6. Inauguration Day
   • The newly elected president is sworn in & takes oath of office (January 20)

Electoral College Process

• A slate of electors for each state chosen by popular vote; electors must meet to vote for President and Vice President; winner-take-all system leads to targeting of large states for campaigning, although candidates must pay attention to small states whose electoral votes may make the difference in tight elections.
  • Number of electors per state is based on state's Congressional representation (senators+representatives)
  • Requirements for majority vote to win in Electoral College favors a two-party system (270 out of a total of 538)

Specific Third Parties

• Constitution: Interpret the founding fathers original intent in the Constitution. Morals from Bible
• Libertarian: Emphasize individual liberties with no government interference
• Green: #1 issue protect environment. Respect for diversity, peace, non-violence, gender equality
• Socialist: Improve working conditions by public (government) ownership of energy, resources, transportation, and by providing free health and education. Equality for all
• Communist: Public (government) ownership of all private property (not just what is in socialism) in order to help working class. Equality for all.

Influence Public Policy

• Ways individuals influence:
  • Participating in politics (voting, campaigning)
  • Expressing opinions (lobbying, demonstrating, writing letters)
  • Joining interest groups
  • Lobbying government officials
• Ways interest groups influence
  • Identifying issues
  • Making political contributions (donations)
  • Lobbying government officials
• Ways Media Play an Important Role in Setting the Public Agenda
  • Focusing public attention on select issues
  • Offering a forum in which opposing viewpoints are communicated
  • Holding government officials accountable to the public
  • Government officials use the media to communicate with the public
  • Mass media roles in elections
    • Identifying candidates and emphasizing selected issues
    • Writing editorials, creating political cartoons, publishing op-ed pieces
    • Broadcasting different points view
• Lobbying: Seeking to influence legislators to introduce or vote against a bill.

Strategies for Evaluating Campaign Speeches, Literature, and Advertisements for accuracy

1. Separate fact from opinion
2. Detecting bias (one-sided views)
3. Evaluate sources
4. Identify propaganda (carefully crafted message used to manipulate and persuade).

• Rising campaign costs
  • Require candidates to conduct extensive fundraising activities
  • Limit opportunities to run for public office
  • Give an advantage to wealthy individuals who run for office
  • Encourage the development of political action committees (PACS) (collect money to fund the representation of an interest group)
  • Give issue oriented special interest groups increased influence

Political Parties

• Groups of individuals who come together because they share similar views in order to change things in government.
  • Organize to win elections
  • Influence public policies
  • Reflect both liberal and conservative views
  • Try to appeal to political center in order to win majority support.

Third Parties

• Smaller political parties in a two-party system that don't usually receive a lot of attention, but can influence national politics by talking about lesser-known issues and stealing votes from the candidates of the two main political parties. Often revolve around a political personality.

Democratic Party

• Known as liberals and occupy the left side of the political spectrum
  • Color: Blue
  • Symbol: Donkey
  • Role of Government: Larger role in people's lives
    • Power of government to provide high quality public education, affordable health care, and growing economy. Concerned about the responsibility of government to help with jobs, women and families, civil rights, immigrants, protecting the environment.
    • Support higher taxes to pay for these programs.

Republican Party

• Known as conservatives and occupy the right side of the political spectrum
  • Color: Red
  • Symbol: Elephant
  • Role of Government: Lesser role in people's lives
    • Stand for less government interference, more private enterprise (business), lower taxes, a strong foreign policy, and greater personal freedom. They believe that this approach will most promote economic growth & job creation.

United States Supreme Court

• (9 justices/no jury)
• Jurisdiction: Appellate & Limited Original

U.S. Circuit Courts of Appeals

• (3 justice panel/no jury)
• Jurisdiction: Appellate

U.S. District Court

• (Judge with a jury)
• Jurisdiction: Original (trial court)

Florida Court System

• FL, like each of the other forty-nine states, has its own court system whose organization and jurisdiction come from FL's constitution & state laws.

FL Supreme Court

• (7 justices/no jury)
  • Court of final appeal (Appellate jurisdiction)
  • Limited original jurisdiction (death penalty, regulations).

FL District Courts of Appeals

• (judges/no jury)
• Appellate jurisdiction

FL Circuit Courts

• (judge and jury)
  • Original jurisdiction for felony criminal cases and for certain civil cases.
  • Trial courts: Felony- punishment criminal >1 yr in prison/civil $15,000

FL County Courts

• (judge/no jury)
  • Minor offenses
  • Misdemeanor- punishment criminal <1 yr in prison/civil $15,000

Local Government

• Meets local concerns. This is also the level that provides the most services to everyday citizens because they know the local issues the best, the Federal government doesn't.
  • Fire and Police Departments
  • Street lights, signs, road repair
  • Garbage, water, and sewer services
  • Local school district issues such as: hiring teachers, buying equipment, setting local policy
  • Build playgrounds, pools, community centers
  • Libraries, zoos, museums
  • Public transportation
  • County/city health departments for public health
  • County/city parks

U.S. Constitution

• Ratified in 1789
• Never been replaced
• 4,400 words
• Vague
• Federal Government
• 7 Articles
• Rights in Bill of Rights
• Difficult to amend
• 27 amendments
  • Lawmakers amend
  • 2/3 congress votes to amend
  • 3/4 states ratify

FL Constitution

• Ratified 1968
• 6 different versions
• 50,000 words
• Detailed
• State Government
• 12 Articles
• Rights in "Florida Declaration of Rights."
• Over 100 Amendments
• Easier to amend
  • Voters approve or reject amendments
  • 60% must vote yes
  • FL legislature proposes by 3/5 vote
  • Citizen ballot initiative (% sign petition)

Law Types

• Criminal Law:
  • Actions (crimes) committed against people or their property.
  • Punishment=fine or jail.
• Civil Law:
  • Settles disagreements between parties in regards to contracts/wrongdoing.
  • The losing side pays damages to the other side.
• Constitutional Law:
  • Based on the Constitution and the Supreme Courts interpretation of it.
• Military Law:
  • Set of laws that govern the behavior of armed forces. Similar to civilian law.

Constitutional Convention

• Shays' Rebellion: Uprising of poor farmers convinced nation to get rid of Articles of Confederation and hold a convention.
• Federalists: Supported the new strong central government at the convention.
• Antifederalists: Opposed new strong central government, wanted more power with states. Wouldn't ratify new constitution w/out Bill or Rights.
• Federalist Papers: Essays to support ratification of new constitution.
• Great Compromise: Agreement that led to our bicameral legislature. Senate-equal representation & House-based on Population.

Government Services

• Things provided by the different levels of government to citizens.
• Federal Government:
  • Meets national needs.
  • Justice provided by Federal courts. Protects the rights of citizens guaranteed in Constitution & Bill of Rights
  • National defense & foreign policy
  • Operate American economy
• State Government:
  • Meets statewide needs.
  • Protect lives & property of citizens
  • Provide public services
  • Social stability and equal opportunity
  • Sets education (statewide requirements) and safety standards (speed limits & health codes)
  • Builds highways, bridges, state parks
  • Issues licenses (ex.: drivers, nursing, medical, teaching)
  • State wide police
  • National Guard (controlled by Governor unless placed under federal control)

Steps in the Trial Process

1. Jury Selection: Both sides check for jury bias
2. Opening Statements: introduction by both sides
3. Testimony & Evidence: Examine witnesses & evidence
4. Closing Arguments: Both sides wrap up case
5. Jury Instructions: Judge tells jury what laws apply
6. Jury Deliberation: Jury discusses evidence to come to a verdict (guilty/not guilty or liable).

Events Leading to American Revolution

• Many events were Acts that led to taxes being placed on colonists without them getting their representation in parliament.
• "no taxation without representation" became their rallying cry.
  • Proclamation of 1763: Bans movement to the west. Angers colonists.
  • Sugar Act: Tax on sugar. Colonists attack tax collectors & smuggle goods.
  • Stamp Act: Tax on paper goods. Colonists boycott.
  • Quartering Act: Forced housing of British soldiers.
  • Declaratory Act: Stated parliament could make any laws it wants for the colonies. Colonists ignore bc of the repeal of Stamp Act.
  • Townshend Acts: Tax on glass. Illegal search warrants allowed.
  • Boston Massacre: British soldiers fire on protesting colonists.
  • Tea Act: Allowed one company a monopoly on tea. Colonists protest tea act.
  • Boston Tea Party: British demand payment for damaged tea.
  • Intolerable Acts: Boston harbor closed until damaged tea paid for. Colonists meet at first Continental Congress to protest.
  • Battles of Lexington and Concord: British set out to arrest leading colonists & attack colonial Militia. Colonial defeat at Lexington & Victory at Concord. War starts.

Governmental Systems & Types

• Governmental Systems
  • Confederal: power located in states and little power in the central government (ex. Articles of Confederation)
  • Federal: power is shared between the central government the states (ex. U.S.)
  • Unitary: power is located with the central government (ex. Japan)
  • Parliamentary: power lies in the legislative body and the leader is part of the legislature (ex. Canada & U.K.)
• Types of Government
  • Anarchy: absence of any form of government
  • Monarchy: king or queen rules. Comes to power by being born into ruling family. Can be an autocracy.
    • Absolute Monarchy: ruler has all the power (ex. Saudi Arabia)
    • Constitutional Monarchy: ruler's power is limited by a democratic government (ex. United Kingdom)
  • Autocracy: ruled by a single leader & has unlimited power & denies peoples fundamental rights (ex: Hitler, Mussolini)
  • Dictatorship: autocracy where a military leader comes to power, often through violent means
  • Communism: government owns and controls everything. People share in everything. (ex. Vietnam, Cuba, former Soviet Union)
  • Oligarchy: rule by a few based on wealth or power (ex. South Africa during 20th century based on racism)
  • Democracy: political power resides with the people (voting) rule of the people
    • Direct Democracy: people have an individual voice in government & vote directly on everything (ex. small communities/local).
    • Representative Democracy: people elect representatives to vote and make laws for their interests (ex. U.S.A.)

Foreign Policy

• Any government policy that concerns foreign countries and events taking place outside of the U.S.
  • Diplomacy: The process of conducting relations between countries. Aim is to compromise.
  • Treaties: an agreement between two or more countries, which is enforceable by International law
  • Alliances: an agreement between two or more countries to defend each other if one is attacked
  • International Organizations: joining one shows support for peace & cooperation among nations.
  • Diplomatic Negotiation: talks held between countries in order to reach an agreement. Aim is to compromise.
• Military Resources
  • Military Force/Intervention: president can use air & naval power, & troops to intervene overseas.
  • Deterrence: countries know that if they attack U.S., it could retaliate w/ nuclear weapons
  • Coercive Diplomacy: forcing a country to do something positive by threatening them with military force
• Economic Resources
  • Economic Sanctions: banning trade & other business with a country that is violating international rules
  • Economic/Foreign Aid: providing assistance to help countries with their economies. Sometimes military assistance like aircraft & weapons are provided.

Domestic Policy

• Any government policy that concerns affairs/issues within the country.
  • Ex.: setting tax rates & safety standards in factories

International/Non-Governmental Organizations

• Intergovernmental Organization
  • Organization composed of several nations or organizations
  • Ex. EU, UN
    • United Nations (UN): Created after WWII to promote peace and cooperation
    • World Health Org. (WHO): Health care workers that respond to needs worldwide, part of UN.
    • World Court (International Court of Justice): Court set up by the UN where nations may voluntarily submit disputes. Located in The Hague, The Netherlands.
    • UNICEF (United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund: Part of UN to aid health and education for mothers and children in developing countries.
    • World Trade Organization (WTO): Encourages trade between member nations & settles disputes when they arise
    • European Union (EU): Organization of Euro. countries to reduce trade barriers
    • NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization): Security group established in 1949 to block Soviet military aggression in Europe.
• Non-Governmental Organization
  • International organization that governments can't join, but individuals and corporations can.
    • International Red Cross/Crescent: Organization that aids victims of natural disasters and armed conflicts.
• Treaties
  • Agreement between two or more countries
    • NAFTA (North American Free Trade Agreement): economic pact that combined the economies of the United States, Canada, & Mexico into world's largest trading bloc.

U.S. Global Involvement

• WWI: (1914-1918) Assassination of Archduke Ferdinand of Austria-Hungary by a Serbian group set off a chain reaction that sent most nations of Europe to war. U.S. entered in 1917 after the sinking of many U.S. civilian ships by German U-Boats (submarines) and the Zimmerman Telegram. Allies including Great Britain, France, Russia, Italy, and the U.S. defeated the Central Powers of Germany, Austria-Hungary, Turkey, and Bulgaria.
• WWII: (1939-1945) War fought Between Axis powers (Germany, Italy