Foundations of Government

24 Hours of Government

Directions: Using you own experiences, describe how government is involved in your life. Use examples for the following list of places.

Could You Pass the Citizenship Test?

School:

Home:

On the job:

In sports/recreational activities (movies, TV, etc.):

Health& Personal Welfare:

For those of us who weren’t born here, it’s never been easy to become a citizen. As of October 1, 2009 in addition to passing a reading and writing test of English proficiency, all immigrants going through the naturalization process must pass a new civics exam that some say is much harder than the test it replaced.

Immigrant officials say the new test is an attempt to put more emphasis on basic concepts of American history, government and democracy, and that some people may find it easier.

The civics test is oral, with an examiner asking the applicant 10 questions from a list of 100. All questions are available online. Applicants must answer 6 of the 10 questions correctly, and are given two chances to pass; those who fail twice can reapply for naturalization immediately.

Some immigrant-advocacy groups have said the new test is more abstract, and therefore tougher. But Alfonso Aguilar of Citizenship and Immigration Services (part of the federal Department of Homeland Security) says that in a test of the new exam, 92 percent of participants passed on their first try.

“We try—in 100 questions and answers—to summarize the basic concepts of American democracy,” says Aguilar.

Now it’s your turn. Try answering the following 30 questions from the new test, and see if you have what it takes to earn American citizenship.

1. WHAT IS THE SUPREME LAW OF THE LAND?

2. THE IDEA OF SELF-GOVERNMENT IS IN THE FIRST THREE WORDS OF THE

CONSTITUTION. WHAT ARE THESE WORDS?

3. WHAT DO WE CALL THE FIRST 10 AMENDMENTS TO THE CONSTITUTION?

4. WHO IS ONE OF YOUR STATE’S U.S. SENATORS?

5. WHAT IS THE ECONOMIC SYSTEM IN THE UNITED STATES?

6. NAME ONE BRANCH OR PART OF THE GOVERNMENT.

7. HOW MANY JUSTICES ARE ON THE SUPREME COURT?

8. WHAT IS THE NAME OF THE VICE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES?

9. HOW OLD DO CITIZENS HAVE TO BE TO VOTE FOR PRESIDENT?

10. NAME TWO CABINET-LEVEL POSITIONS?

11. WHAT IS ONE REASON COLONISTS CAME TO AMERICA?

12. WHO LIVED IN AMERICA BEFOFE EUROPEANS ARRIVED?

13. WHO WROTE THE DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE?

14. WHEN WAS THE DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE ADOPTED?

15. THERE WERE 13 ORIGINAL STATES. NAME THREE.

16. WHAT DID SUSAN B ANTHONY DO?

17. NAME ONE WAR FOUGHT BY THE UNITED STATES IN THE 1800s.

18. WHAT DID MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. DO?

American Government

American History

19. WHO WAS PRESIDENT DURING THE GREAT DEPRESSION AND WORLD WAR II?20. DURING THE COLD WAR, WHAT WAS THE MAIN CONCERN OF THE UNITED

STATES?21. NAME ONE AMERICAN INDIAN TRIBE IN THE UNITED STATES.

22. NAME ONE OF THE TWO LONGEST RIVERS IN THE UNITED STATES.

23. WHAT OCEAN IS ON THE EAST COAST OF THE UNITED STATES?

24. NAME ONE U.S. TERRITORY.

25. NAME ONE STATE THAT BORDERS CANADA.

26. NAME ONE STATE THAT BORDERS MEXICO.

27. WHERE IS THE STATUE OF LIBERTY?

28. WHY DOES THE FLAG HAVE 13 STRIPES?

29. WHY DOES THE FLAG HAVE 50 STARS?

30. NAME TWO NATIONAL HOLIDAYS.

Civics and Geography

Adapted Upfront Magazine

Episode 1: “A More Perfect Union”

As you watch the video, answer the questions below.

The Constitution is a road map to our rights and responsibilities as citizens of the United States. In this episode, you will explore the delicate balance of federalism.

1. Here, the Framers of the Constitution gathered to try and build a strong new government. Below is a diagram of federalism. Label the two main components of our federal system.

2. The

Harborside Company in California can be seen as a respected business. In what realm is Harborside an unlawful business? Explain how the state and federal laws are at odds?

3. Why did the delegates call the Convention?

List some of the problems of the Articles of Confederation:

+ +

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4. In your own words, describe the goal of the Convention.

Key Terms to Know

Federalism: the system of shared power between national and state governments

States’ rights: the doctrine that the states have sovereign powers equal to the national government

Supremacy Clause: the supremacy of the federal government over the states

5. Identify THREE characteristics of our national government before and after the Constitution.

6. Let’s head to the birthplace of federalism. Our trip takes us to which city in 1787? ________________________________________

7. Define the “necessary and proper clause.”

8. Do you agree with the idea that states are “laboratories of democracy?”

Identify THREE good ideas that have come from the states.

9. What was the New Deal?

What are TWO positive outcomes of the New Deal? Why do some people believe there were negative outcomes?

10. What federal branch ruled that segregation in public education was illegal? _____________________________

11. What is your opinion on the issues below—who should have the final word, the state governments or the federal government? Discuss with your partner why you believe this.

Issues State FederalMarijuanaGunsToilets (Energy Conservation)Coal Plants for Energy (Air Quality)Marriage and Divorce LawsHigh School Graduation Requirements

12. Final questions to consider:

What is the advantage of the state government making laws for the people?

What is the role of the federal government in dealing with state law?

Why might it be better for laws to be made by local government? Give a specific example.

Decisions Parents or Guardians Might Make

Decisions Parents and Teens Might

MakeTogether

Decisions Teens Might Make Alone

In some social groups, power is divided

Powers of the National

GovernmentExpressed

Powers

Shared Powers of the State and

National GovernmentConcurrent

Powers

Powers of the State GovernmentsReserved Powers

In democracies, power is divided to prevent abuse of power.

FEDERALISM CLASSIFICATION ACTIVITYFederalism: a system in which power is divided between local, state, and national governments.

Directions: Classify the following powers in the chart. Take the time to consider which category would be the most appropriate fit based on the description.

declare and engage in war conduct elections print and coin money govern marriage laws maintain an army, navy, and air force regulate interstate and foreign commerce regulate intrastate commerce punish lawbreakers levy and collect taxes protect the rights of citizens set traffic standard maintain the state militia (National Guard)

In democracies, power not given to the government is reserved for the people!

• admit new states • provide for public safety • borrow money • establish and maintain schools • negotiate treaties with foreign countries • protect public health • determine the qualifications of voters • set up a post office • set rules for immigration

Where Do You See Our Government in Your Life?For the remainder of this unit you are to look for examples of our government at work in your day to day life. You can see government all around you if you are looking for it. It may be at work, on the street, at school or in your free time during sports/recreation.

Your task is to work with two partners (or alone if you choose) to:

Pick three categories: home, work, school, recreation, health and welfare, community Come up with a creative title for your project Take three pictures of you and/or your partner showing examples of the government at work in each

of the three categories. Each person in the pair should appear in at least one picture for each category. If you are working

alone you will still need someone to take pictures of you. Display these pictures in a neat and creative way. (Poster, power point, book, movie maker, etc. …)

o Be sure to label which example belongs with which category.o Provide a brief explanation of how this relates to the government and your life.o You will need to do a little outside research.

DO NOT put yourself in any danger to take these pictures; nor break any laws. Have fun and be creative! Due Date: ___________

Rubric

Pictures 5 Points- All 9 pictures included.- You and partner are both in at least one picture per branch.- Three categories addressed

3 Points-1-2 pictures missing.-1 category not present.

1 Point-3-4 pictures missing.-You or partner not in a picture.-2 categories missing.

Analysis 10 Points- All pictures were identified by branch- All pictures had explanations of how they tied to the categories and the overall project theme.

6 Points-1-2 pictures not identified.-1-2 pictures missing explanations.- Categories are unclear.

2 Points-3+ pictures not identified or categorized.-3+ pictures missing explanations.-No clear theme present.

Creativity 5 Points - Work demonstrates highest quality in neatness, creativeness, and application of ideas.- Partners clearly worked together and shared workload.- All work turned in on time and in proper format.

3 Points- Work shows quality, but could be improved in neatness, creativity, or application of ideas.- Some evidence partners worked together.- All work turned in on time and in proper format.

1 Point- Work lacks quality in neatness, was not creative, or only demonstrated basic application of ideas.- No evidence partners worked together.- Work turned in late or not in proper format.

Government

9 pictures total!!

Foundations of Government

Unit 1 Study Guide

1. What is the purpose of Government?

2. What is the Preamble?

3. Government Structure:

Type of Government Definition Document UsedConfederation

Federalism

4. What are some of the strengths and weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation?

5. What was the Declaration of Independence and what are some of the guiding principles found in this document that we still use today?

6. Principles of the Constitution

Term Definition ExamplePopular Sovereignty

Checks and Balances

Limited Government

Separation of Powers

Judicial Review

Federalism

Flexibility

7. Explain how the United States, Illinois, and your local community area are examples of federalism.

8. Provide examples of the Expressed Powers for the Federal government, Concurrent Powers shared by the State and Federal governments, and the Reserved Powers for the State government in the venn diagram below.

9. What does the concept of Liberty versus Security mean? When are we more likely to give up liberties?