A Constitutional Democracy Chapter 10 Lesson 4 Pages 412-419

Objectives Identify the principles of a constitutional government Learn how the authority of a democracy comes from its people Compare the powers granted to citizens, the federal government, and the states

Sharing Powers The federal government has been given certain powers. But, these powers are separated among the three branches to limit power

Checks and Balances Different powers given to each branch and they also watch each other to ensure power is not misused Each branch has ways to check (or BLOCK) the powers of the others. This system was developed to form “a more perfect union” UNION – an alliance that works to reach common goals.

State Powers Tenth Amendment Any power not clearly given to the federal government, or denied to the states, belong to the states and the people.

What State Governments do… Build & manage highways and parks Oversee public schools & state colleges Help residents of their state w/ food, shelter, health care, & other basic needs

Powers states do not have. . . Cannot: Print money Raise armies Make treaties with other countries Set up trade agreements w/ other states without the approval of Congress

What powers do states have under the Constitution? Any powers not clearly given to the federal government

Federal, State, Local Three levels of government All have elected officials All collect taxes

Rights & Responsibilities POPULAR SOVEREIGNTY – the idea that the government derives, or gets, its power from the people. Our government is based on the basic principles of democracy: Justice Equality Responsibility Freedom

We are a Republic In a republic  people vote for the representatives. The people are the source of the government’s authority

Voting One responsibility of a citizen Democracy – people rule & are free to make choices about their lives and their government People can write their representatives. This helps leaders keep track of a public agenda  what people want

Voting Rights At first, not given to all Women were not given suffrage, this means the right to vote In 1920, the 19th amendment gave women the right to vote In 1971, the 26th amendment lowered the voting age from 21 to 18 years old.

Being a Citizen One responsibility of citizens is to vote Civic Virtue – qualities that add to a healthy democracy Civic Virtue is another responsibility Must obey laws, serve on juries, and pay taxes Males must register for selective service (military service) at 18 years old

More power given to people In 1913, the 17th amendment gave voters in each state the ability to elect their own senators directly. Before, state legislatures elected the state senators.

Term Limits In 1951, the 22nd amendment limited the President’s term to no more than two full terms in office. This was to ensure that elected officials changed regularly.

Citizenship If you are born in the U.S. you are automatically a U.S. citizen Immigrants to the U.S. can become legal citizens through a process called naturalization Must be at least 18 years old Lived in U.S. for 5 years (or 3 years if married to a U.S. citizen) Must pass a test on U.S. government & history Must be able to write & speak English

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