Types of Government
True or false: Countries can have different forms of government.
TRUE: The US is a democracy and the UK is a monarchy.
What form of government does the United States have?
Democracy
True or False: The Bill of Rights is a part of the US Constitution.
TRUE: The Bill of Rights was added to the US Constitution two years after it was first ratified. The Bill of Rights is the first ten amendments and written to protect citizen's rights from powerful government.
In which document is the First Amendment written?
Bill of Rights/Constitution
What are rights and responsibilities?
Rights are freedoms we have that the government has to protect.
Responsibilities are things we should do in return to be good citizens and care for our communities
In other words, rights are what you're given to stay safe, and responsibilities are what you should do to keep things fair.
List at least three types of government found around the world.
What are the three branches of the US government?
Judicial, Legislative, and Executive
What is the Constitution?
Which five rights does the First Amendment protect?
Freedom of speech, right to petition, freedom of the press, right to assemble, and freedom of religion.
Right or Responsibility: Respectfully speaking your mind and sharing your thoughts.
Why?
Right! Freedom of Speech.
Disrespectful speech, however, is not a right, and can have legal consequences.
Which type of government gives citizens the right to vote?
Democracy
What are the three levels of the US government? Name the leaders of each level.
National (US; president), state (Virginia; governor), and local (Caroline County; mayor).
How many amendments are in the Bill of Rights? Bonus: Which amendment outlines the freedoms of religion, press, petition, speech, and assembly?
There are ten amendments in the Bill of Rights. The First Amendment outlines the freedoms of religion, press, petition, speech, and assembly.
Which First Amendment right is this scenario depicting? Why?
A student wears a small cross, a yarmulke, or a hijab to school, or says a quiet personal prayer before eating lunch.
Freedom of Religion because they are choosing to follow, or not follow, a religion they pick.
Right or Responsibility: Doing your homework and letting others learn without interruption.
Why?
Responsibility! It is your responsibility to make the most of the free education you're given. Wise advice: don't waste it!!
Why do you think the ancient Greek philosopher, Epictetus, once said, "Only the educated are free?"
Why is voting important?
It allows the government to represent what the people (we) want. Voting allows us to have a say, and our voices to be heard.
Why did the Founding Fathers create three branches in the US government?
Checks and Balances: This means each branch checks on the other, to make sure the power is balanced. Our country wants to keep things fair, and not give one person too much power.
Who is called the "Father of the Constitution?"
James Madison
Which First Amendment right is this scenario depicting? Why?
You write and sign a polite note from the class to the principal asking for new basketballs for recess or better books in the library.
Freedom to Petition because you can ask the government, or people in charge, to make a change.
Right or Responsibility: Feeling safe, being respected, and not being hurt or bullied.
Why?
Right! There are laws in place to make sure that you are safe, wherever you are.
Which types of government restrict, or stop, citizens from having a say in government? Why?
Dictatorship: The dictator holds all of the power.
Monarchy: The king or queen hold all of the power.
Name the three branches of government and their primary roles.
Legislative (Congress; writes the laws), Executive (president; enforces the laws), and Judicial (Supreme Court; interprets the laws)
True or False: The Constitution explains that the president has complete control over the US government.
FALSE: The Constitution explains that the US government will be divided into three branches (Legislative, Executive, and Judicial). When the Constitution was written, the Founding Fathers didn't think it would be fair if the president got to do whatever he wanted!
Which First Amendment right is this scenario depicting? Why?
Kids joining together for a walk on the school playground to support an anti-bullying project.
Freedom of Assembly because you have the right to gather peacefully in public groups, clubs, or crowds.
Right or Responsibility: Voting in an election.
Why?
Responsibility! You should vote to make sure our democracy is working as it should, but no one will force you to.