Chapter 9 Government for the Nation and the State

United States Government One of the largest countries in the world “Superpower”Democracy –Representatives to make laws –Elect President –Powered by the people

What Does Our Government Do? Provides Services Protects Our Rights Provides Order

Declaration of Independence States main idea of American democracy ALL men are created equally ALL people have right to “life, liberty, and pursuit of happiness” EVERYONE has rights Government protects our rights

Constitution of the United States Most important document Most important topics –Government by the People –Three branches of government –Federal and State governments

Bill of Rights Added to the Constitution to make specific rights clear First 10 Amendments Amendment: changes or additions Amendment: changes or additions

Amendment One Freedom of religion Freedom of speech Freedom of the press Freedom of assembly Does freedom of speech mean you can put graffiti on public property? Can we tell lies to harm others? Does freedom of speech mean you can put graffiti on public property? Can we tell lies to harm others?

Amendment Two Right to bear arms

Amendment Three Right to not house soldiers in your home during peacetime.

Amendment Four Freedom from improper search and seizure unless proper authorities have a warrant.

Amendment Five, Six, and Seven Rights of those that commit crimes

Amendment Eight No cruel or unusual punishment

Amendment 9 People have other rights not mentioned in the first eight amendments.

Amendment Ten States will have a great deal of power.

Three Branches of Government Executive Branch Legislative Branch Judicial Branch

Executive Branch Carries out our nation’s laws Headed by the President Who is our President of the United States? Who is our President of the United States?

Legislative Branch Congress Makes our nation’s laws Congress includes –House of Representatives –Senate

Judicial Branch Made up of our courts Courts decide what the laws mean Makes sure laws do not go against the Constitution or Bill of Rights Includes the judge and jury

State Government State Government Each state has their own state government and constitution Leaders of each state decide what is best for the people of that state

Delaware’s State Constitution Very similar to United States Constitution Includes 3 branches of government each with its own responsibility.

Delaware’s Legislative Branch General Assembly –Two parts : Senate and House of Representatives –Meets January til June –Meet in Legislative Hall in Dover

Jobs of the General Assembly Makes laws for the state Decides what taxes people will pay Works with the governor to set the state budget

Delaware’s Executive Branch Governor is the head of the branch Governor is also most powerful person in the state government Governor requirements –must be 30 years old –must be elected for a 4 year term –can only serve 2 terms

Governor Responsibilities Sees that laws are carried out Suggests new laws Signs new laws Can veto a law –Can Say “NO” to stop a bill from coming a law Makes the state budget Appoints judges to state courts Appoints people who run departments

Delaware’s Judicial Branch Made up of courts Includes judges and juries –Jury includes 12 citizens –Jury decides if a person has broken a law People are entitled to a fair trial which is called due process of law.

Local Government Includes city and county governments Helps focus on the needs of a smaller area

City Government Mayor or city manager decides what the town needs City council helps make the rules for the town Examples –create traffic laws –what new building come to town (Lowe’s) –plan events (Riverfest)

County Government Each county has a county seat where government offices are located –Our county seat is Georgetown Court houses are here Birth, death, and marriage certificates are kept here Property maps are kept here Decide how land is used outside city limits

At Your Service Taxes are collect to pay for services people need. Examples: Plow snow Build libraries Pay teachers Recreation services Provide clean water and sewage removal

Be a Good Citizen Respect Others Obey the Laws Vote –Must be 18 years old –Know the candidates Pay Taxes Be Willing to Serve on a Jury