A Constitutional Democracy

1. A Constitutional Democracy Chapter 10 Lesson 4 Pages 412-419

2. Objectives • Identify the principles of a constitutional government • Learn how the authority of a democracy comes from its people • Compare the powers granted to citizens, the federal government, and the states

3. Sharing Powers • The federal government has been given certain powers. • But, these powers are separated among the three branches to limit power

4. Checks and Balances • Different powers given to each branch and they also watch each other to ensure power is not misused • Each branch has ways to check (or BLOCK) the powers of the others. • This system was developed to form “a more perfect union” • UNION – an alliance that works to reach common goals.

6. State Powers • Tenth Amendment • Any power not clearly given to the federal government, or denied to the states, belong to the states and the people.

7. What State Governments do… • Build & manage highways and parks • Oversee public schools & state colleges • Help residents of their state w/ food, shelter, health care, & other basic needs

8. Powers states do not have. . . • Cannot: • Print money • Raise armies • Make treaties with other countries • Set up trade agreements w/ other states without the approval of Congress

9. What powers do states have under the Constitution? • Any powers not clearly given to the federal government

11. Federal, State, Local Three levels of government All have elected officials All collect taxes

12. Rights & Responsibilities • POPULAR SOVEREIGNTY – the idea that the government derives, or gets, its power from the people. • Our government is based on the basic principles of democracy: • Justice • Equality • Responsibility • Freedom

13. We are a Republic • In a republic  people vote for the representatives. • The people are the source of the government’s authority

14. Voting • One responsibility of a citizen • Democracy – people rule & are free to make choices about their lives and their government • People can write their representatives. This helps leaders keep track of a public agenda what people want

15. Voting Rights • At first, not given to all • Women were not given suffrage, this means the right to vote • In 1920, the 19th amendment gave women the right to vote • In 1971, the 26th amendment lowered the voting age from 21 to 18 years old.

16. Being a Citizen • One responsibility of citizens is to vote • Civic Virtue – qualities that add to a healthy democracy • Civic Virtue is another responsibility • Must obey laws, serve on juries, and pay taxes • Males must register for selective service (military service) at 18 years old

17. More power given to people • In 1913, the 17th amendment gave voters in each state the ability to elect their own senators directly. • Before, state legislatures elected the state senators.

18. Term Limits • In 1951, the 22nd amendment limited the President’s term to no more than two full terms in office. • This was to ensure that elected officials changed regularly.

19. Citizenship • If you are born in the U.S. you are automatically a U.S. citizen • Immigrants to the U.S. can become legal citizens through a process called naturalization • Must be at least 18 years old • Lived in U.S. for 5 years (or 3 years if married to a U.S. citizen) • Must pass a test on U.S. government & history • Must be able to write & speak English

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