Reason American colonists protested British taxes on tea
Taxation without representation. They didn't have representatives in England to consent to taxes.
Checks and Balances
Each branch prevents other branches from abusing power
Separation of Powers
Each branch has only one part of government's power to keep anyone from becoming too powerful
Branches of Government and Functions
LEJ - Legislative (make laws), Executive (carry out laws), Judicial (interpret laws)
Citizen
member of a community
Platform
where candidates explain how they feel about issues
Levels of Government
National/Federal
State
Local
Articles of Confederation
First constitution. States were united loosely, like friends. Didn't allow government to collect taxes, there was no president to enforce laws or judicial branch.
Power shared by states and federal government
Collect taxes
Levels of Federal Courts
U.S. Supreme Court
Court of Appeals
District court
Purpose of Government
Protect rights
Foreign policy
Plan for dealing with other countries
United Nations
Organization which tries to promote world peace
Rule of law
Everyone, even the president, must follow rules.
Purpose of Bill of Rights
Protect rights.
Difference between Republicans and Democrats
Democrats want more responsibilities to be shared by entire country. Republicans want more responsibilities for individuals.
Mayflower Compact's main idea
Self-government
Common Sense's main idea
English King is taking Americans' rights so they should rebel.
Anti-Federalists
Colonists against the Constitution. Thought it made national government too power, made the states too weak, and didn't protect rights.
Tyranny
When the government doesn't have any limits. It doesn't have to follow laws or constitution.
Naturalized citizen requirements
1. Read and write English
2. Have a good character
3. Pass Civics and US History exam.
Importance of freedom of the press
The government is not the only source of information about what the government is doing
John Locke
Gave us idea of "the right to life, liberty, and property." In the Declaration of Independence, Jefferson changed it to "the right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.
Boston Tea Party
American colonists protested taxes by throwing British tea in Boston Harbor. British responded by passing "Intolerable Acts," which took freedoms away from colonists.
Preamble Goal - "form a more perfect union
Make our country stronger and more unified
Preamble Goal - "establish justice
To make sure everyone is treated equally
Preamble Goal - "ensure domestic tranquility
To make sure the homeland is peaceful
Preamble Goal - "provide for the common defense
To make sure the country is safe
Preamble Goal - "promote the general welfare
To encourage what's best for everyone
Preamble Goal - "secure the benefits of liberty to ourselves and our posterity
To keep freedom for ourselves and everyone that will live after us.
Slander
SSSSSspoken lies about a person or group.
Libel
Written lies about a person or group.