City Life (Citizenship): Laws and Justices

Lesson Goals  The students will be able to discuss and illustrate the structure and function of the Constitution: Articles I, II, and III.  The students will be able to evaluate the three branches of government and the process of making laws.  The students will be able to create laws for their upcoming day to Enterprise City.

Lesson Vocabulary constitution:  The document that establishes the basic principles and fundamental laws of the United States.

Lesson Vocabulary democracy:  A government system that is based on majority rule. A type of government that is run by its people.

Lesson Vocabulary executive branch:  A part of the government that ensures the laws are carried out, the leadership of a government.

Lesson Vocabulary judicial branch:  A part of the government that reviews the law.

Lesson Vocabulary laws:  A rule of conduct or procedure that is established by custom, agreement, or authority within a community. The citizens of the community must follow these rules for safety and running of the community.

Lesson Vocabulary taxes:  A contribution that supports a government, required of persons or businesses within the domain of that government.

The Constitution Video School House Rocks: The Preamble

The Constitution Understanding the Constitution Activity

Responsive Reading: Government Three Branches of U.S. Government Pg. 35

Three Branches of Government Video School House Rocks: Three-Ring Government

What Does the Executive Branch Do?

Executive Branch (Mayor)  The executive branch of government enforces the laws of the land  The President (mayor) is the head of the executive branch, which makes laws official  The President (mayor) approves and carries out laws passed by the legislative branch

Constitutional Hall Informational Video

What Does the Judicial Branch Do?

Judicial Branch (Judge)  A court system with the Supreme Court the highest court of the land  Decisions made by the Supreme Court are usually of national importance  "Equal Justice under Law" is the motto of the Supreme Court

Judicial Branch (Judge)  When questions concerning particular laws arise in lower courts, the justices who make up the Supreme Court are responsible for explaining and interpreting the Constitution  All of the other courts in the United States must follow the ruling or the decision made by the justices of the Supreme Court

Constitutional Hall Informational Video

The Supreme Court and the Student Connection Homework Assignment  Choose one of the Supreme Court Cases About Students from the Article  Write a full paragraph (minimum of 5 sentences) based on your opinion about the Supreme Court’s ruling on the case -- Due September

What Does the Legislative Branch Do?

Constitutional Hall Informational Video

Legislative Branch (Enterprise City Citizens)  Two Legislative Houses :

Legislative Branch  A "bill" is introduced when(by)a member of Congress decides to create a new law  Any member of Congress can introduce a bill  Note: Only members of the House may introduce bills that deal with taxes or spending

Legislative Branch  Once a bill is introduced in either house it goes through a process:  Each bill is first assigned to a committee for review  The bill is set aside, if the committee decides the bill is not worthy  The bill is sent to the entire house for debate if the committee decides the bill is worthy of further action

Legislative Branch  The entire house discusses, debates, and votes on the bill  If the bill passes, it is sent to the other house

Legislative Branch  The same process is repeated in the other house (repeat note for space 5)  A joint committee works out any differences the two houses of Congress have concerning a bill  When both houses agree on a bill, the Speaker of the House and the Vice President sign it

Legislative Branch  The bill is sent to the President  If the President signs the bill, it becomes a law

Legislative Branch  If the President doesn't like it, he can veto it and send it back to Congress  Both houses of Congress then have three choices:  They can change the bill so it is more to the President's liking  They can agree that the bill will never be passed and let it go  They can vote to override the President’s veto

I am a bill (process of becoming a law) Schoolhouse Rocks: I am Just a Bill

Judicial Branch (Judge)  When questions concerning particular laws arise in lower courts, the justices who make up the Supreme Court are responsible for explaining and interpreting the Constitution  All of the other courts in the United States must follow the ruling or the decision made by the justices of the Supreme Court

YOU are now apart of the Legislative Branch (You will help create the laws for Enterprise City)

Reminder: What is the definition for the term “law” ? A rule of conduct or procedure that is established by custom, agreement, or authority within a community. The citizens of the community must follow these rules for safety and running of the community.

Creating Laws for Enterprise City  Example of a Law: School Zone Speed Limit 25 MPH 7:30 am to 4:30 pm Monday to Friday

Creating Laws for Enterprise City  When Writing Laws Remember:  Be reasonable and realistic  Make sense  Clearly state the behavior wanted in a positive way (i.e. walking feet to places or walk at all times)  Purpose for Laws:  Keep people safe  Regulate appropriate behavior

Creating Laws for Enterprise City  Standard Laws:  5. Food or drink outside of the Snack Shop eating area is NOT permitted  6. Walking on the grass is NOT permitted  7. Chewing gum is NOT allowed  Write a law that will be introduced by you (the representative), reviewed in a committee, discussed, debated, and voted on September!