Social Studies Government

What have we learned? So far, we have looked at: ▫The Constitution ▫“Democracy” ▫The 3 Branches of Government ▫The Bill of Rights (with Amendments)

Let’s Review The Constitution Answer these questions in your head: ▫What is the Constitution? ▫Why was it written? ▫What other countries inspired us? ▫Who wrote it? ▫How is it different from the Declaration of Independence?

Let’s Review The Constitution Did you say… ▫What is the Constitution?: the document that set up our country’s government ▫Why was it written?: to put in place a set of rules and guidelines for our new government – create a democracy ▫What other countries inspired us?: The Roman Republic, The Iroquois and The Ancient Greeks ▫Who wrote it?: Representatives from each of the states over a period of time. ▫How is it different from the Declaration of Independence?: The Declaration was the document stating that the states were breaking apart from Britain whereas the Constitution was the document setting up the new United States government.

Let’s Review What is Democracy? When you have your answer… click ahead.

Let’s Review Democracy is a form of government in which people choose leaders by voting.

Let’s Review What are the 3 Branches of Government? Who are the Leaders of each of the Branches? Where are these Branches located? The 3 Branches of Government

Let’s Review What are the 3 Branches of Government? ▫The Legislative Branch ▫The Judicial Branch ▫The Executive Branch The 3 Branches of Government

Checks & Balances

Let’s Review The Bill of Rights - the first 10 Amendments to the US Constitution that were added to protect the individual rights of US citizens The Bill of Rights

Remember… Amendment - a change in the words or meaning of a law or document (such as the Constitution)

Back to the Bill of Rights… nfographics/bill-of-rights-for- kids/

Amendment #1 In Kid Friendly Language: states that Congress shall make no law preventing the establishment of religion or prohibiting its free exercise. Also protected are freedom of speech, freedom of the press, freedom of assembly, and the right to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.

Amendment #2 In Kid Friendly Language: protects citizen's right to bear arms.

Amendment #3 In Kid Friendly Language: prevents the government from placing troops in private homes. This was a real problem during the American Revolutionary War.

Amendment #4 In Kid Friendly Language: this amendment prevents the government from unreasonable search and seizure of the property of US citizens. It requires the government to have a warrant that was issued by a judge and based on probable cause.

Amendment #5 In Kid Friendly Language: The Fifth Amendment is famous for people saying "I'll take the Fifth". This gives people the right to choose not to testify in court if they feel their own testimony will incriminate themselves. In addition this amendment protects citizens from being subject to criminal prosecution and punishment without due process. It also prevents people from being tried for the same crime twice. The amendment also establishes the power of eminent domain, which means that private property can not be seized for public use without just compensation.

Amendment #6 In Kid Friendly Language: guarantees a speedy trial by a jury of one's peers. Also, people accused are to be informed of the crimes with which they are charged and have the right to confront the witnesses brought by the government. The amendment also provides the accused the right to compel testimony from witnesses, and to legal representation (meaning the government has to provide a lawyer).

Amendment #7 In Kid Friendly Language: provides that civil cases also be tried by jury.

Amendment #8 In Kid Friendly Language: prohibits excessive bail, excessive fines, and cruel and unusual punishments.

Amendment #9 In Kid Friendly Language: states that the list of rights described in the Constitution is not exhaustive, and that the people still have all the rights that are not listed.

Amendment #10 In Kid Friendly Language: gives all powers not specifically given to the United States government in the Constitution, to either the states or to the people.

/billofrights/

Do your best!

Now Onto The Last Topic… How a Bill becomes a Law

Remember… ratify – to approve veto – to reject a decision made by a law making body

How a Bill becomes a Law

All of your vocabulary: Declaration of Independence – the document that explains why the colonies were breaking away from Britain democracy - a form of government in which people choose leaders by voting US Constitution – the document that set up our country’s government checks and Balances – a system in which one of the three branches of government is balanced by the other Executive Branch – the branch of government that carries out the laws made by Congress Legislative Branch – the branch of government that makes the laws Judicial Branch – the branch of government that decides the meaning of laws debate - a formal discussion on a particular topic in a public meeting or legislative assembly, in which opposing arguments are presented and discussed ratify – to approve Amendment - a change in the words or meaning of a law or document (such as the Constitution) Bill of Rights – the first 10 Amendments to the US Constitution that were added to protect the individual rights of US citizens veto – to reject a decision made by a law making body