1. American Government and Its’ Citizens

2. Government Role: Ensure the rights and freedom of citizens
Enforcing laws to ensure domestic safety
Protecting citizens and borders from enemies
Types:
Monarchy – Ruled by a King/Queen with very limited powers. (Ex. England)
Dictatorship – Ruled by one person with ABSOLUTE power, often taken by violent means. (Ex. Cuba)

3. Government (cont.)
Theocracy – Ruled by a religious leader, claiming the power to rule comes from God. (Ex. Iran)
Democracy – Voters vote directly for leaders (Ex. Switzerland)
Representative Democracy – Voters vote for leaders who then make decisions on
their behalf. (Ex. USA)

4. Governing Documents The Declaration of Independence
In 1775, angered over taxes and poor treatment by British Parliament, American Colonists went to war with Great Britain.
Delegates from the 13 colonies met in Philadelphia to draw up a declaration of freedom from GB.
Thomas Jefferson’s masterpiece, the Declaration of Independence, was approved by the “Continental Congress” on July 4th, 1776.
The Declaration lists the reasons for breaking away from GB and became a statement of American Ideals.

5. The Constitution
Signed in 1787 by all states except NC and RI, George Washington was elected 1st President.
The Constitution was the new plan for government, and created 3 separate branches.
It also provided a “Bill of Rights” to protect individual freedoms.

6. Strengths of the Constitution
Most Power held by the Federal Government
Three separate but equal branches (Judicial, Executive, Legislative)
System of Checks and Balances so no one branch can become too powerful
Allows for Amending and changing (Amendments)
Powers are granted to the states (reserved powers)
Bill of Rights added to protect the freedoms of American citizens (#1-10)

7. Immigration and Citizenship
America has always been the “land of opportunity”, attracting thousands of immigrants every year.
1920 – First quota on Immigration through Ellis Island.
1990 – Immigration Act sets immigration quota at 675,000.
The IA gives preference to:
Husbands, wives, and children of US citizens
People who have valuable job skills
Aliens (LEGAL permanent residents who are citizens of another country  VISA = Green Cards

8. American Citizenship A person is considered an American Citizen when:
Born to at least one American parent
Born on a military base or American Political sanctuary around the world
Born anywhere in United States territory, regardless of parental citizenship.
Naturalization process: (after 5 years of residence)
Apply for permanent residency visa
Apply for citizenship
Get fingerprinted
Pass interview and take citizenship tests (civics, US History, and English)
Take oath of Allegiance to the United States

9. Illegal Immigrants: Ongoing Problem for the US
Worst: Southwestern border with Mexico,
Inter-connected with the drug trade
Borders are increasingly harder to protect, major issue in 2012 election.

10. Illegal Immigration in the US
Why might the largest group of people come from Mexico?