Judicial Branch
What is is the Virginia Court System?
Organization & jurisdiction created by VA Constitution and state laws
Jurisdiction is the power to oversee or rule on a case
Original Jurisdiction - right to hear a case first
Appellate Jurisdiction - right to review a decision of a lower court
What 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 is a democracy?
A form of government in which the citizens hold the power to rule and make laws.
What is the Separation of Powers?
Stated in Articles I, II, and III of the U.S. Constitution.
Powers are divided among the:
Legislative Branch
Executive Branch
Judicial Branch
Purpose: Prevent any one branch from gaining too much power.
What is the Executive Branch?
Led by the President of the United States – the chief executive officer
Main role: enforce, enact, or execute the laws of the nation
Structured as a bureaucracy
Bureaucracy = departments, agencies, and commissions that carry out executive work
What is the Virginia Courts?
General District Court & Juvenile & Domestic Relations Court (JDR)
Original jurisdiction for misdemeanors & civil cases involving lower dollar amounts
JDR has original jurisdiction in juvenile and family cases
Judge (no jury)
How can someone become a citizen?
By birth or
By naturalization
What are the fundamental principles of democracy?
Ideas and beliefs that define and shape American constitutional government.
What are Checks & Balances?
Each branch has powers that allow it to check the other branches.
Ensures balance and prevents abuse of power.
Idea comes from Federalist No. 51 by James Madison.
What does Article II of the Constitution define?
Article II of the U.S. Constitution defines:
Structure of the executive branch
Powers of the President
Roles and authority in government
What is Circuit Court?
Original jurisdiction for felony cases and some civil cases
Appellate jurisdiction from district courts
Judge and sometimes jury
What are Civic Duties?
Things you MUST DO! Or face legal consequences!
Obey the law******MOST IMPORTANT
Pay Taxes
Defend the nation, registering for selective service (Draft)
Serve in court, jury duty and witness
Attend school
What is Republicanism?
The government gets its power from the people, who elect leaders to make decisions and pass laws that serve the common good.
What are Legislative Checks on the President?
Congress checks the President by:
Overriding presidential vetoes.
Impeaching and convicting the president.
Approving the budget.
Approving presidential appointments.
What are the key powers of the President?
Prepares annual budget for Congress
Gives the State of the Union address to set national goals
Appoints:
Cabinet officers
Ambassadors
Federal judges
Oversees federal departments, agencies, and regulatory commissions
What is the Virginia Court of Appeals?
Appellate jurisdiction to review decisions of circuit courts
Panel of judges (no jury)
What are the traits of a good citizen?
Trustworthiness,Honesty,Responsibility,Accountability, Self-reliance,Patriotism, and Courtesy.
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 is the Legislative Branch?
Established by Article I of the U.S. Constitution.
Consists of two chambers:
House of Representatives
Senate
Together, they form the United States Congress.
What are the roles of the President?
Chief of State: ceremonial head of the government
Chief Executive: head of the executive branch
Chief Legislator: proposes laws and legislative goals
Commander-in-Chief: head of the armed forces
Chief Diplomat: directs foreign policy
Chief of Party: leads the President’s political party
Chief Citizen: represents all the people
What is the Virginia Supreme Court?
Appellate jurisdiction and limited original jurisdiction
Justices (no jury)
Judicial review - power to determine constitutionality of laws & executive actions
Laws must conform to U.S. & VA Constitutions
What is the naturalization process?
They Must:
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 federalism?
Power is shared between a national government and state governments, each with their own responsibilities. (Established by the Constitution) Virginia AND the US government share different responsibilities.
What is the major role of Congress?
The primary responsibility of Congress is to make laws for the nation.
What is the role of the Executive Branch in the lawmaking process?
Plays a key role in policy-making:
Delivers the State of the Union address
Proposes legislation
Signs or vetoes bills passed by Congress
Appoints officials who help carry out the laws