unit 1
How is citizenship defined?
The 14th Amendment to the Constitution of the United States defines citizenship as follows: “All persons born or naturalized in the United States, and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the United States and the state wherein they reside.”
What is a Democracy?
A form of government in which the citizens hold the power to rule and make laws.
What are Political Parties?
A political party is a group of people who share similar ideas about government.
Individual Influence on Public Policy
Individuals vote for or against policies.
what are Executive Departments
The executive departments are administrative units in the executive branch of the federal government that help carry out the laws.
Who is a citizen?
A citizen is an individual with certain rights, who by birth or naturalization shows allegiance to the government and fulfills certain duties.
What are the Fundamental Principles of Democracy?
Ideas and beliefs that define and shape American constitutional government.
What is the history of Political Parties?
America’s two-party system is a long tradition.
How can Individuals Influence Policy?
People can share their opinions formally or informally:
Print media (letters to the editor) Electronic media (emails, online comments) Social media posts In-person conversations or meetings
what is Department of State
Leader is Secretary of State. Helps the President execute foreign policy. Foreign Policy: is a plan for dealing with other nations. Manages US’s relationship with other countries. Runs American government offices (embassies) in other countries.
How can one become a citizen of the United States?
By birth or by naturalization
What is Republicanism?
Government gets its power from the people, who elect leaders to make decisions and pass laws that serve the common good.
How have political parties changed over time?
Political parties have shifted and evolved as the nation changed.
What are the roles of Lobbyists?
Lobbyists work to influence lawmakers.
Their goal: Get legislators to vote for or against specific bills.
what is the Department of Treasury
Leader is Secretary of Treasury.
Financial advisor to the President.
Handles the Nation’s money including collecting, borrowing and spending.
IRS-Internal Revenue Service collects income taxes from individuals and businesses.
Began the Secret Service (Presidential Guards) in an effort to fight counterfeiting.
How can a person become a citizen through Naturalization?
Move to the US legally and live there for 3-5 years
Apply for Naturalization
Take and pass the naturalization citizenship test
Take the Oath of Allegiance
What is popular sovereignty?
The people have the right to make decisions through voting and other forms of participation. “We The People” - First three words of the Constitution.
What are third parties?
Third parties sometimes form around single issues or new ideas.
Social Media & Politics:
Social media plays a major role in modern politics.
what is the Department of Defense
Leader is Secretary of Defense.
Secretary of Defense and the Joint Chiefs of Staff (highest ranking military officers) are the military advisor to the President.
Largest department with the highest expenditures in the Executive Branch.
Carries out the President’s orders as the Commander in Chief.
How have immigration policies over time influenced our society?
Led to an increasingly diverse society Influenced various labor markets and increased cultural diversity Changing global events, such as wars or economic crises, have influenced US immigration policy
What is limited government?
Government is not all-powerful and may do only those things the people have given it the power to do.
What are the main functions of political parties?
Political parties have many important jobs in our democracy:
Recruit and nominate candidates for office.
Educate voters about campaign issues.
Help candidates win elections.
Monitor officeholders and hold them accountable.
Influence public policy once in power.
Social media & civil discourse:
Provides space for political discussion.
what is the Department of Justice
Leader is the Attorney General.
Responsible for investigating crimes, tracking down lawbreakers, putting them on trial, and providing punishment.
FBI (Federal Bureau of Investigation) and INS (Immigration and Naturalization Services) are divisions of the Department of Justice.