Ms. Potts Civics

Abraham Lincoln - "government of the people, by the people, for the people" a. power of government comes from the people b. Americans themselves, acting through their representatives, run the government c. the purpose of government is to make the U.S. a better place for those who live here.

Elections Since democratic governments exist by the people, we need free, fair, and competitive elections Everyone’s vote has the same weight “one person one vote”

Elections Candidates have the right to express their views freely to the public Citizens are free to support candidates or issues

Elections The legal requirements for voting must be kept to a minimum For example, our voting laws center on age, residence, and citizenship Other factors like race and ethnic and religious background cannot be used to restrict voting

Elections Citizens may vote freely by secret ballot, without fearing punishment for their voting decisions

Principles of American Democracy: 1. Rule of Law 2. Limited Government 3. Consent of the Governed 4. Individual Rights 5. Representative Government 6. Majority Rule

Principles of American Democracy: 1) Rule of Law ~~~ All people including those who govern, are bound by the law 2) Limited Government ~~~ Government is not all powerful – it may do only those things that people have given it the power to do

Principles of American Democracy: 3) Consent of the Governed ~~~ American citizens are the source of all governmental power 4) Individual Rights ~~~ In the American democracy, individual rights are protected by government

Principles of American Democracy: 5) Representative Government ~~~ People elect government leaders to make the laws and govern for them 6) Majority Rule ~~~ Citizens agree that when differences of opinion arise, we will abide by what most of the people want.

What does it mean to be a “Good Citizen” of a Country? Which of the following actions do you think demonstrate being a good citizen?  Hanging a flag outside the home or on the car  Speaking out against the government  Giving money to people in need  Paying taxes on time  Speaking English  Voting  Not criticizing the government during time of war  Serving on a jury or testifying as a witness at a trial  Swearing an oath of allegiance to the U.S.  Serving one year of national service, either military or community service

What you will do……… For each action provided on your paper write if you strongly agree, agree, disagree, or strongly disagree Within your groups share and discuss your priorities Identify the group’s five top qualities of good citizens Then as a class we will vote on our top five qualities of a good citizen