Foundations of Gov't
Rights people have simply because they are human.
What are natural rights?
This amendment protects speech, religion, press, assembly, and petition.
What is the First Amendment?
This local department would MOST likely handle snow removal and road repairs.
What is public works?
Voting, attending meetings, and staying informed are examples of this.
What are civic responsibilities?
This branch makes laws and decides spending.
What is the legislative branch?
The idea that people give up some freedom in exchange for protection, order, stability, and public services.
What is social contract theory?
This amendment protects people from unreasonable searches and seizures.
What is the Fourth Amendment?
This local department usually handles land use, development, and building questions.
What is planning/zoning?
Jury duty, paying taxes, and following laws are examples of this.
What are legal duties?
This branch enforces laws and carries out government action.
What is the executive branch?
A government official breaks the law and is charged in court like anyone else.
What is rule of law.
Police interrogate a person for hours so that they confess to a crime.
Which constitutional protection is most involved?
What is the protection against self incrimination?
A town wants to reduce speeding near a school. Students suggest crossing guards, traffic lights, and speed bumps.
Before choosing what to do, what should local officials do?
Compare possible solutions
A teenager who cannot vote organizes classmates to speak at a city meeting.
What is this an example of?
What is civic responsibility?
Courts decide whether a government action follows the Constitution.
Which branch is doing its job?
What is the judicial branch?
A government holds elections, but it limits who can run for office and restricts criticism of leaders.
What is an authoritarian government?
A city residents puts up a hateful sign in their yard. The city wants to restrict such signs, but it cannot restrict signs based on content. A city government can create restricts based on this.
What are time/place/manner rules?
A city spends money fixing flooding downtown. Because of that, road repairs in another neighborhood are delayed.
Which local government problem does this show?
What are limited resources?
A citizen wants to influence a local decision. They research the issue, contact officials, and speak at a public meeting.
What type of civic action is this?
What is a civic responsibility?
Congress passes a law regulating a social media app. The president argues the law is difficult to enforce. Courts are asked to decide whether the law violates the Constitution.
How does this situation demonstrate separation of powers?
Government power is divided among branches with different jobs.
After a national crisis, a government suspends elections, arrests opponents, and restricts criticism. Leaders say this is necessary to keep order.
Under social contract theory, citizens may believe the government is losing this.
What is legitimacy?
A controversial group applies for a permit to demonstrate in a city park. City officials deny the permit because they believe the group’s message will upset residents. The group argues its rights were violated.
What constitutional conflict is the city considering here? (The conflict between "x" and "y")
What is the conflict between liberty and public safety?
A town wants to improve safety near a school. One group wants speed bumps because they are cheaper. Another group wants a traffic light because it may be safer. A third group worries both options could slow emergency vehicles.
What should the town consider before making a decision?
What are trade offs?
A town is deciding whether to improve downtown safety, repair roads, or update parks. A citizen plans to vote, a lawful permanent resident writes a letter, and a student organizes classmates to share concerns.
What does this situation show about how people can participate in government?
What is people can influence government outside of voting?
Congress passes a law regulating a social media app. The president argues the law is difficult to enforce. Courts are asked to decide whether the law violates the Constitution.
How does this situation demonstrate checks and balances?
Each branch has different powers and can limit the actions of the other branches