The student will understand: 8.C&G.1.1 Summarize democratic ideals expressed in local, state, and national government (e.g. limited government, popular sovereignty, separation of powers, republicanism, federalism and individual rights).  The student will understand:  Governmental systems are based on various ideals and principal that tie a nation and people together.  The political and social behaviors of a society are governed by its values and beliefs.  The student will know:  How democratic ideals are reflected in local, state, and national governments.  The concept and intent of democratic principles e.g. limited government, popular sovereignty, separation of powers, republicanism, federalism and individual rights.  How democratic ideas reflect the values and beliefs of citizens of North Carolina and United States.  Similarities and differences among the various levels of government in terms of structure and function. 

Civics and Government duties Civics Protect rights Day 1 – C&G Concepts Civics Study of Citizenship: Rights Duties and Responsibilities IF you fulfill your duties THEN the government will protect your rights Protect rights duties

Civics and Government duties Civics Government Protect rights Day 1 – C&G Concepts Civics Study of Citizenship: Rights Duties and Responsibilities IF you fulfill your duties THEN the government will protect your rights Government Group that maintains order Protects your rights* Protect rights duties

Why is it important to understand civics and government?

Civics and Government separation of powers limited government Federalism popular sovereignty republicanism individual rights

Ask yourself…. If you were going to start a country and you needed a government to make sure it’s a good place to live, then what would be the basic rules for your government? What is their job? How do we pick our leaders? What are they allowed to do? Who gets final say?

Concepts Separation of Powers The total powers of the gov’t are divided between 3 branches This prevents one person or group from having too much power

Separation of Powers legislative executive Judicial

Separation of Powers

Concepts Separation of Powers The total powers of the gov’t are divided between 3 branches This prevents one person or group from having too much power Legislative – Makes Laws Executive – Enforces Laws Judicial – Interprets Laws Decides: if someone has broken a law If a law is constitutional

Concepts Limited Government Gov’t cannot do anything it wants This prevents the gov’t from abusing the citizens Its powers are specifically listed in the constitution Checks and Balances: Each branch of Gov’t can limit the another branch

Limited government What if they have too much power? We shall limit the government’s power! Limited government This gov’t sounds good. Just like the King! They might abuse the people.

US Constitution

Checks and Balances: prevents one branch of government from becoming to powerful Limited Government

Checks and Balances: prevents one branch of government from becoming to powerful

Limited Gov’t = Checks and Balances Make a Law: “Congress gets a raise. Senators make $1 million per year” VETO the Law

Legislative Baby Executive Break Dancer veto

Limited Gov’t = Checks and Balances Override The VETO Make a Law: “Congress gets a raise. Senators make $1 million per year” VETO the Law

Legislative Scorpion overrides veto Executive Old Man