Government
a.
SSCG2: The student will analyze the natural rights philosophy and the nature of
government expressed in the Declaration of Independence
Compare and contrast the Declaration of
Independence and the Social Contract Theory

John Locke believed that people were born with certain “natural rights,”
which included life, liberty, and property. He also advocated Social
Contract Theory, which states that there is an implied contract between
government and citizens.

Thomas Jefferson asserted in the Declaration of Independence that “all
men are created equal” and that men are born with certain “inalienable
rights,” which include life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.

The Declaration of Independence echoes the theories of John Locke in
asserting natural rights, that government obtains its power from the
consent of the people, and that citizens have the right to resist and/or
replace it with a new system.
SSCG2: The student will analyze the natural rights philosophy and the nature of
government expressed in the Declaration of Independence
b. Evaluate the Declaration of Independence as a
persuasive argument
The Declaration of Independence makes these
arguments:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
“All men are created equal”
Unalienable rights: life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness
Powers of government from consent of the governed
Grievances against the king of England, George III
When revolution should occur
 When government becomes “destructive”
 Government should not be changed for “light or
transient causes”
 After a long period of “abuses and usurpations”
Question
Which document formally proclaimed the American
colonies’ independence from Great Britain?
a.
b.
c.
d.
The social contract
The letters of the Enlightenment
The Declaration of Independence
The writings of John Locke
Answer
C. the Declaration of Independence
Question
Rights which human beings are born with and which no
government has a right to take away are called
a.
b.
c.
d.
Declaratory rights
Natural rights
Social rights
Alienable rights
Answer
B. Natural rights
SSCG3:The student will demonstrate knowledge of the United States
Constitution
a.
Explain the main ideas in debate over ratification;
include those in The Federalist
Federalists favored a strong central government and
supported the Constitution.
Anti-Federalists feared a strong central government. Believed the federal
government could only do what the Constitution specifically said.
The Federalist Papers- Essays written to persuade ratification of the
Constitution by easing fears. Supported by George Washington,
Alexander Hamilton, and John Adams.
The Anti-Federalists agreed to ratify the Constitution if a Bill of Rights was
added.
SSCG3:The student will demonstrate knowledge of the United States
Constitution
C.
Explain the fundamental principles upon which of the United
States Constitution is based; include the rule of law, popular
sovereignty, separation of powers, checks and balances, and
federalism.
Rule of law – the U.S. is a society governed by set laws.
Everyone must obey the nation’s laws.
Popular Sovereignty – the belief that the government is empowered by the will of
its people. Eventually led to demand that all citizens be given the right to vote.
Separation of Powers – power is divided by three branches: legislative, judicial,
and executive.
Checks and balances – allows each branch to check the powers of the other two.
Federalism – power is divided between different levels of government. In the U.S.
the national and state governments share power.
SSCG4: The student will demonstrate knowledge of the organization and
powers of the national government
a.
Describe the structure and powers of the legislative, executive,
and judicial branches.
Executive – President – enforces laws
1. 4-year terms, limited to 2 terms
2. Elected by Electoral College
3. Powers and Duties (Article II, Sections 2& 3)
a. Commander-in-chief of armed forces
b. Can make treaties
c. Can appointment Supreme Court justices, Cabinet
4. The Vice-President and Cabinet are
part of the executive branch
SSCG4: The student will demonstrate knowledge of the organization and
powers of the national government
Legislative - Congress – makes laws
BICAMERAL – Two Houses
House of Representatives
1.
Representation based on population
2.
At least one per state
3.
Special power to impeach, initiate tax bills
4.
Presiding officer – Speaker of the House
Senate
1.
2.
3.
4.
Representation is equal – 2 per state
Special power to approve President’s treaties and appointments
(2/3 majority required)
Serves as jury during impeachment trials
Presiding officer – Vice-President of the U.S.
SSCG4: The student will demonstrate knowledge of the organization and
powers of the national government
Judicial – Supreme Court interprets laws
1. Highest court in the nation
2. Court of final appeal
3. Congress establishes inferior courts
SSCG4: The student will demonstrate knowledge of the organization and
powers of the national government
b. Analyze the relationship between the three
branches in a system of checks and balances and
separation of powers.
See next slide
Can:
Executive Branch
Can:
Propose legislation
The President
Veto legislation
•Enforces the nation’s laws
Call special legislative
sessions
•Represents the nation in
foreign affairs
Negotiate foreign treaties
Legislative Branch
Judicial Branch
Congress
Supreme Court
Pass legislation
Override a
presidential veto
Confirm executive
appointments
Grant pardons
and reprieves to
federal offenders
•Heads the armed forces
Recommend appointments
Can:
Appoint federal
judges
•Passes taxes
•Makes new laws
(and other Federal Courts)
Can:
Declare executives
actions and laws
unconstitutional
•Decides whether or not
laws are constitutional
Ratify treaties
Appropriate money
Impeach and
remove a President
Can:
Create lower federal courts and judgeships
Impeach judges
Propose constitutional amendments to override judicial
decisions
Approve appointments of federal judges
Can:
Declare legislation unconstitutional
Question
The idea of a legislative branch making the laws, an
executive branch enforcing the laws, and a judicial
branch overseeing application of the law is
consistent with
a.
b.
c.
d.
Separation of powers
Checks and balances
Federalism
Popular sovereignty
Answer
A. Separation of Powers
Question
Which of the following states that governments re
empowered by and exist for the people they
governed?
a.
b.
c.
d.
Federalism
Popular sovereignty
Anti-federalism
Checks and balances
Answer
B. Popular sovereignty
SSCG5: The student will demonstrate knowledge of the federal system of
government described in the United States Constitution.
a.
Explain the relationship of state government to
the national government.

Under our federal system of government, power is
divided between states and the national government.
According to the 10th Amendment, any powers not
specifically granted to the national government are
reserved for the states.
No state government may pass a law that violates the
U.S. Constitution.


SSCG5: The student will demonstrate knowledge of the federal system of
government described in the United States Constitution.
b.
Define the difference between enumerated and
implied powers.
Enumerated Powers are explicitly granted by the
Constitution.
Implied Powers are powers not specifically
mentioned in the Constitution.
SSCG5: The student will demonstrate knowledge of the federal system of
government described in the United States Constitution.
c. Describe the extent to which power is shared.
The Supremacy Clause states that the Constitution
is the “supreme law of the land” and takes
precedence over any state or local laws.
SSCG5: The student will demonstrate knowledge of the federal system of
government described in the United States Constitution.
d. Identify powers denied to state and national
governments.
Any powers expressly denied the national
government are also denied to the states and no
state government may pass a law that violates the
U.S. Constitution.
SSCG5: The student will demonstrate knowledge of the federal system of
government described in the United States Constitution.
f. Analyze the supremacy clause found in Article VI
and the role of the U.S. Constitution as the
“supreme law of the land.”
Article 6: Constitution is the supreme law of the
nation.
- No federal, state, or local law can
conflict with the Constitution.
SSCG6: The student will demonstrate knowledge of civil liberties and civil rights.
a. Examine the Bill of Rights with emphasis on First
Amendment freedoms.
The Bill of Rights consists of the first 10
amendments to the United States Constitution.
The 1st Amendment guarantees the following for citizens:

Freedom of speech

Freedom of the press

Freedom to petition the government

Freedom to assemble

Freedom of religion

Separation of church and state
SSCG6: The student will demonstrate knowledge of civil liberties and civil rights.
b. Analyze due process law expressed in the 5th and
14th Amendments.
 The 5th Amendment ensures that no person shall be
imprisoned or deprived of his or her property without due
process.
 Due process prevents government abuse and ensures
citizens charged with a crime are not denied their rights
during judicial hearings.
 The 14th Amendment makes it illegal for any state
government to pass laws denying liberties
guaranteed under the Bill of Rights.
SSCG6: The student will demonstrate knowledge of civil liberties and civil rights.
d. Explain how government seeks to maintain the
balance between individual liberties and the public
interest.
 Individual liberties are the personal freedoms every citizens enjoys under
the Constitution.
 Public interest refers to those things which citizens have a common
interest: public safety, national security, a healthy environment, protection
from dangerous products in the market place, etc.
At times, protecting public interest can infringe on individual liberties. For
instance, following the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, the U.S.
government passed the PATRIOT Act, which grants government officials
greater freedom to monitor phone calls, emails, and other forms of
communication.
 Many appreciate such a law because it protects the public.
 Others, say such laws go too far because they invade citizens’ privacy and violate individual
liberties.
SSCG6: The student will demonstrate knowledge of civil liberties and civil rights.
e. Explain every citizen’s right to be treated equally
under the law.
 Today, the Constitution has been amended so that,
at least in theory, every U.S. citizen is given equal
protection under the law regardless of skin color,
gender, age, wealth, etc.
SSCG7: The student will describe how thoughtful and effective participation in
civic life is characterized by obeying the law, paying taxes, serving on a jury,
participating in the political process, performing public service, registering for
military duty, being informed about current issues, and respecting different
opinions.
 U.S. citizens must fulfill a number of civic
responsibilities in order for U.S. society to function.
 These civic duties include:
 Obeying laws
 Paying taxes
 Serving jury duty
 Performing public service
 Registering for the draft (required for 18-year-old males)
 Political participation
 Staying well-informed
SSCG8: The student will demonstrate knowledge of local, state, and national
elections.
a. Describe the organization, role, and constituencies of
political parties.


The U.S. Constitution says nothing about political parties
Despite pleas from George Washington, political parties have
become an important part of U.S. policies.
Political parties are organizations that promote political beliefs
and sponsor candidates.


The U.S. operates on a two-party system
These two parties are the Democrats and Republicans
SSCG8: The student will demonstrate knowledge of local, state, and national
elections.
(Political parties continued)
Political parties serve the following functions:



They nominate candidates for office
Coordinate the actions of government officials
Establish party platforms
Each party has it general constituency, which is the people who make up and
are represented by the party.


Democrats are identified as more liberal
Republicans are generally more conservative
SSCG8: The student will demonstrate knowledge of local, state, and national
elections.
b. Describe the nomination and election process
Local , state, and federal officials are voted into office by means of a
general election
 To decide on a single nominee, primary elections are held to choose
between candidates within the same party
 In presidential elections, the winner is not directly chosen by the
people, but by the Electoral College.
 In a general election, whichever presidential candidate wins the most votes in a
particular state is awarded ALL of that state’s votes in the Electoral College.
 Georgia currently has 15 electoral votes
SSCG9: The student will explain the differences between the House of Representatives
and the Senate, with emphasis on terms of office, powers, organization, leadership, and
representatives of each house.
U.S. Congress
House of Representatives
U.S. Senate
Representation
By population of state
2 per state
Length of
terms
2 Years
6 Years
Leadership
Led by Speaker of the House
Led by Vice President and
president pro tempore
SSCG10: The student will describe the legislative process including the roles
played by committees and leadership.
a. Explain the steps in the legislative process.
Introduce in Either
House or Senate as a
Bill
Yes
Referred to
Committee
Yes
Debated in floor of
House or Senate
and voted on
Goes to other
legislative body
(House or Senate)
Yes
Yes
NO
NO
NO
Goes to President
NO
Kills Bill
2/3 of each body
(House and Senate)
needed to pass over
President’s veto
Yes
Yes
Becomes law
SSCG10: The student will describe the legislative process including the roles
played by committees and leadership.
b. Explain the function of various leadership positions
within the legislature.
•
•
•
The top post in the House of Representatives is the Speaker of the
House.
The Vice President presides over the Senate, but he/she only votes if
his/her vote is needed to break a tie.
When the Vice President is not present, the president pro tempore
takes his/her place
The two major parties with the Senate and House of
Representatives have leaders.
 The majority leader is the elected leader of the majority party
 Conversely, the minority leader leads the minority party.
SSCG12: The student will analyze the various roles played by the President of the United
States; include Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, chief of state, foreign policy
leader, and party leader.
Duties and powers of the President:
1. Chief Executive – the nation’s recognized leader and head of the executive
2.
3.
4.
5.
branch. Ultimately responsible for enforcing the nation’s laws
Commander-in-chief – the top military commander
Foreign policy leader – plays a major roles in deciding how the U.S. will
deal will foreign countries and international situations. He/she is
responsible for negotiating treaties and agreements with other nations. The
president is the nation’s chief of state and it foremost representative.
Appoints pubic officials – including heads of federal departments and
federal judges
Party Leader – the president acts as the head of his/her political party.
SSCG14: The student will explain the impeachment process and its usage for
elected officials
a. Explain the impeachment process as defined in
the U.S. Constitution.
The president may be impeached (charged with wrongdoing while in
office) by the House of Representatives if suspected of treason,
bribery, or “other high crimes and misdemeanors.”

If this occurs, the president stands trial in the Senate

If two-thirds of the Senate finds him/her guilty, then he/she is
removed from office.

Only two presidents have been impeached: Andrew Johnson and
Bill Clinton. Neither was found guilty.
SSCG15: The student will explain the functions of the departments and
agencies of the federal bureaucracy.
b. Explain the functions of the Cabinet
Members of the President's Cabinet act as his official advisory group and head
executive departments. The President appoints members of his cabinet and the
Senate must confirm them. Here is a list of the 14 executive departments.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Department of Agriculture
Department of Commerce
Department of Defense
Department of Education
Department of Energy
Department of Health and Human
Services
7. Department of Housing and Urban
Development
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
Department of the Interior
Department of Justice
Department of Labor
Department of State
Department of Transportation
Department of the Treasury
Department of Veterans' Affairs
SSCG16: The student will demonstrate knowledge of the operation of the
federal judiciary.
a.
Explain the jurisdiction of the federal courts and
the state courts.
U.S. Supreme Court
U.S Court of Appeals
State Supreme Court
U.S. District Courts
Appellate Courts
Superior Courts
Lower Courts
SSCG16: The student will demonstrate knowledge of the operation of the
federal judiciary.
b. Examine how John Marshall established the Supreme Court as an
independent coequal branch of government through his opinions
in Marbury v. Madison.
Power of Judicial Review (Marbury v. Madison)
Article 5: Amending the Constitution
 i. Two-thirds of both house of Congress may propose
 ii. Two-third of states may call for national convention to
propose (never used)
 iii. Requires three-quarters of states to ratify (officially
approve) before itbecomes a permanent part of the U.S.
Constitution
SSCG16: The student will demonstrate knowledge of the operation of the
federal judiciary.
c. Describe how the Supreme Court decides cases.
 The Supreme Court Chooses which cases it will head.
 If a case is refused, the decision of the lower court will stand.
 If the Supreme Court accepts a case:
 Both sides will present written briefs (legal arguments)
 Supreme Court Justices will apply the Constitution when making their
decision
 After heading all arguments, the justices will vote
 There are 9 justices, so 5 votes are needed for a majority
SSCG20: The student will describe the tools used to carry out United States foreign
policy (diplomacy; economic, military and humanitarian aid; treaties; sanctions and
military intervention).
Foreign policy refers to the United States’ relations with other nations and
how it handles international situations. The president is predominantly
responsible for determining the U.S.’ foreign policy.
 Diplomacy is the process of nations coming together to find peaceful
solutions.
 The U.S. offers economic, humanitarian, and military aid to countries
that are less developed or hurting as a result of a national disaster.
 Treaties are formal international agreements between nations.
 Sanctions are restrictions or policies placed on a country that may be
violating international agreements
 Sanctions placed on North Korea for pursuing the development of nuclear weapons
 Military intervention is the most drastic measure for dealing with
international conflicts.
 The U.S. has been involved in Iraq and now Afghanistan and Pakistan fighting the war on
terror.
Question
1.
The U.S. Constitution gives state governments the
authority to be involved in al of the following areas
except
a.
b.
c.
d.
Tax collection
Public education
Treaty negotiation
Highway construction
Answer
C. Treaty negotiations
Question
2.
What is the main purpose of the national
conventions that the Republican and Democratic
parties hold every four years?
a.
b.
c.
d.
To organize state primaries
To develop legislative strategies
To caucus about foreign-policy issues
To nominate presidential candidates
Answer
D. To nominate presidential candidates
Question
3.
Which government body acts as the jury in an
impeachment trial in the United States?
a.
b.
c.
d.
The Senate
The Cabinet
The Supreme Court
The House of Representatives
Answer
A. The Senate
Question
4.
What is the primary function of leaders within the
legislative branch of the U.S. federal government?
a.
b.
c.
d.
To introduce bills proposed by the president
To advance the goals of their political parties
To carry out federal laws passed by both houses of
Congress
To confirm the constitutionality of bills with the
Supreme Court.
Answer
B. To advance the goals of their political parties
Question
5.
What is the purpose of the first 10 amendments to
the U.S. Constitution?
a.
b.
c.
d.
To limit the federal government’s powers
To expand the courts’ authority to review federal laws
To guarantee citizens’ voting rights regardless of race
or gender
The establish checks and balances between the
executives and legislative branches.
Answer
A. To limit the federal government’s power
Question
6.
Which idea from Social Contract Theory
is expressed within the U.S. Declaration of
Independence?
a.
b.
c.
d.
Congress must consist of two legislative houses
Political term limits are necessary for all elected
officials.
Government authority comes from the consent of the
governed.
Individual citizens must be protected by a federal bill
of rights.
Answer
C. Government authority comes from the consent of the
governed.
Question
7.
How the U.S. chooses to interact with other nations
and handle international situations is known as
a.
b.
c.
d.
Diplomacy
Foreign policy
Military intervention
International sanctions
Answer
B. Foreign policy
Question
8.
A proposal that has been introduced by a member of
Congress to be considered as a potential law is called
what?
a.
b.
c.
d.
A resolution
An act of Congress
A bill
A veto
Answer
C. A bill
Question
9.
Congress is composed of
a.
b.
c.
d.
The federal judiciary
The House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate
The executive branch
The cabinet and the federal bureaucracy
Answer
B. The House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate.
Question
10.
The authority of the Supreme Court to declare acts
of Congress unconstitutional was established in
which court case?
a.
b.
c.
d.
Marbury b. Madison (1803)
McCullough v. Maryland (1819)
Korematsu v. United States (1944)
Brown v. Board of Education (1954)
Answer
A. Marbury b. Madison (1803)
Question
11.
Nicholas Davis is extremely disappointed. Although the
president of the United States nominated him to serve
on the Supreme Court, the U.S. Senate voted down his
nomination. This scenario is an example of which
principle at work
a.
b.
c.
d.
Separation of powers
Popular sovereignty
The legislative branch
Checks and balances
Answer
D. Checks and Balances
Questions
12. The First Amendment to the United States
Constitution guarantees
a.
b.
c.
d.
Freedom of speech
Due process
Trial by jury
The right to bear arms
Answer
A. Freedom of Speech