Civics Unit 5

Lesson 1

 Answer the following questions on your own sheet of paper: What do you want from your government? What is a political party? What does it mean to be a Republican? What does it mean to be a Democrat?

 Many people want many different things from their government: Protection (military and personal) Strong economy Fair justice system Clean environment Civil liberties/rights/freedom Assistance programs Education

 Alone an individual may have little impact in getting what they want, a large group can influence large changes Political Party: an organization of citizens who wish to influence and control government by getting their members elected into office

 Parties influence government on all levels in number of ways: Election of Candidates Setting goals Leadership (once elected) Voice of citizens

 A political party established positions on issues and set goals for the government Platform: a statement on the party’s official stand on a major public issues (overall) Planks: position statements on each issue on the party’s platform (specific)

 Our current two-party system emerged in 1854 (birth of the Republican party) Republican Party- Elephant Democratic Party- Donkey

 Generally: small or reducing federal government Believe state, local, and none government organizations should take responsibility for government programs Usually against tax increases Less likely to support labor unions

 Generally: Big Federal Government! Federal government should take responsibility for social programs  Aid to the poor and disabled More likely to support tax increases to pay for government programs Strong supporters of civil rights More likely to support labor unions

 Although primarily a two party system sometimes a third party emerges Formed to support a specific idea or issue(s)  Examples: Tea Party Independent Party Green Party Communist Party Constitution Party Libertarian Party

 Use the information in Chapter 22 and page 598 to identify the major where each of the following lay on the Political Spectrum: Republican Democrat Green Party Independent Party YOU!

Unit 5: Lesson 2

 Americans as a whole have very different opinions about what the government and people should and should not be able to do These areas are the “planks” on a candidates platform

 Health Care- the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of disease, illness, injury, and other physical and mental impairments in humans. The Issue: To be a meaningful presence in the U.S. and live up to its purpose it must be adequate for the whole population. This requires a lot of money (workers, facilities, information and education, etc.)

 Why might the republicans not support government funded health care? They think:  The cost of health care should stay primarily private (your health=you pay)  Help ensure the continual growth of the health care field  Help ensure the government is not interfering in personal health issues

 Why might the democrats support public health care? They think:  We are one of the only developed nations that does not have a public health care system  Helps to ensure the physical health of every American, not just the ones who can afford it  Reduce the number of Americans in debt because of medical bills

 Civil Rights- Freedoms that were outlined in the Constitution and the Bill of Rights that provide specific rights: Right to life and property Freedom from torture Freedom from slavery and forced labor Freedom of expression freedom of assembly…and so many MORE!

 What do you think Republicans would favor individual freedoms: They think:  More individual freedoms= less federal government  Based on personal effort, achievement, and success (you get what you earn)

 What do you think Democrats would favor group freedoms: They think:  Champion the rights of groups  America is the land of opportunity and everyone should get an equal chance for success

 School Voucher (AKA. Education Voucher) is a certificate issued by the government which parents can apply toward tuition at a private school or home school, rather than a public school

 Why do you think Republicans favor school vouchers? They think:  They are not unconstitutional  Everyone has the right to a good education, but parents get to choose what good is  Private Schools  Home Schools  Religious Schools

 Why do you think Democrats are not in favor of school vouchers? They think:  The government provides qualified teachers and schools free to the public  Federal government money used to pay for private religious schools equates to government support of religion  Vouchers take money away from public schools

 Immigration- The introduction of new people into a habitat or population.  The immigration of Mexican citizens to the U.S. has become a major issue. The Mexican economy is weak and the U.S. offers new job opportunities and a higher standard of living

 Why do you think Republicans want to restrict immigration? They think:  The U.S. should tighten boarder patrol  Severely limit who comes into the U.S. to protect American jobs  Illegal families, regardless of circumstance should be deported

 Why do you think Democrats do not care to heavily restrict immigration? They think:  Help rebuild Mexico’s economy  We should monitor immigration and follow laws already in place  Provide assistance to the children of immigrants  The U.S. is a melting pot, we all come from immigrants, restricting Mexican immigration is based on prejudice

 Same-sex Marriage  Abortion  The Economy  Government Assistance Programs  Many, many, many MORE!