U.S. Gov
What was the first document establishing a government in America?
The articles of confederation
What's the voting rights of 1965?
Banned all literacy test in order to vote
What is the 15th Amendment?
Ratified in 1870, this amendment said citizens could not be kept from voting based on race, color, or previously being a slave.
What are citizen's rights and civic responsibilities to our country?
This is a duty you have to your country. Our society cannot operate well without the help of citizens.
-voting
-obeying laws and respecting other's rights
-paying taxes
-serving on jury duty
-registering for selective service (men only)
The law says that if you are a witness to a crime, and you're ordered to appear in court... are you responsible to go?
Yes, a witness who fails to appear in court can be punished for contempt of court. A witness who lies in court can be punished for the crime of perjury. A witness may legally refuse to testify against themselves or their spouses.
What are the first ten amendments called?
The Bill of Rights
What does amend mean?
Means to make minor changes
What is the 19th Amendment?
Ratified in 1920, this amendment gave women the right to vote
Who's salaries does our taxes pay for?
Teachers, police and fire officials, military, park rangers
Tybee Island is filling up with lots of garbage from tourist. How could your civic responsibility help clean up the area?
-petition for more garbage cans
-volunteer to pick up the beach
-start beach toy recycling program to support leaving nothing behind on the beach
Why did we change our government outlines from the articles of confederation to the U.S. consitution
Because the articles of confederation created a weak national government, so the delegates wanted to start over and write a new constitution for a stronger national government that protected rights of the people
What does it mean to ratify?
To formally approve a document, usually by signing it. It makes it an official amendment to the constitution.
What is the 23rd Amendment?
Ratified in 1961, amendment says residents of Washington, D.C. can vote in presidential elections.
What do laws protect? Give one example how laws protect people.
Laws protect peoples rights, keep us safe, and tell us how to act.
-traffic laws
-no trespassing
-shop lifting
Who can serve on jury duty? How can you be excused from jury duty?
What type of government do we have in America? What does is do?
Representative democracy;
-As a democracy people are the source of the government's power
-A republic, citizens vote to decide issues and choose representatives
-The government's powers are limited
-The basic rights of citizens are protected by the constitutions
What is an ordinance?
A law set forth by a county or city government
What is the 24th Amendent?
Banned all poll taxes
What is the due process of law?
Protects rights of citizens. Someone accused of a crime must...
-be told of the charges against them
-receive a fair and speedy trial
-be present at their trial
-have their case decided by a fair jury of peers
-speak on their own defense or remain silent
What do taxes pay for?
-roads and highways
-education (schools, teachers, books, buses)
-safety and emergency sservices (police, fire, military)
-environmental services (park rangers, disaster aid, weather service)
-judicial services (judges, courthouse, public defenders)
What is the amendment process used in the U.S. Constitution?
Step 1: An amendment may be proposed by 2/3 vote in house of congress OR the constitutional convention called by the state legislators
Step 2: An amendment may be ratified by 3/4 the legislatures OR conventions of the state
What were the Jim Crow Laws? Where were they predominantly at?
Mainly used in southern states
Referred to an African American character in a popular song in the early 180ss. It was used to describe laws to separate but “equal” laws. For example, black people would have to sit in the back of a streetcar by law. Public places like parks, bathrooms, and waiting rooms were segregated by Jim Crow laws.
What is the 26th Amendment?
Ratified in 1971, says citizens who are 18 or older can vote. (this amendment was passed during the Vietnam War)
What do the 15, 19, 23, 24, 26 amendment's protect?