Civics & Economics Review 1.01 : How did geographic diversity influence the economic, social, and political life of colonial North America ? Key Colonies Virginia Maryland Proprietor : Given charter by king or queen for a grant of land Joint-Stock Company : Investor owned. Sought a profit Gentry : Wealthy land owners Headright System : Gentry given land by proprietor for bringing over colonists Indentured Servants : Worked 4-7 years to pay off passage to New World Proprietor / Founder VA. Co. of London Purpose Sought gold then grew tobacco Georgia Cecil Calvert ( Lord Baltimore ) James Oglethorpe Massachusetts Puritans Religious freedom for Catholics New start for debtors Religious freedom Rhode Island Roger Williams Religious freedom Pennsylvania William Penn Religious freedom Special House of Burgesses – 1st legislature MD. Religious Toleration Act No slavery at first Mayflower Compact – agree to selfrule Est. separation of Church & state / Universal male suffrage Quakers 1.02 : How did ideas about self-government develop in British North America ? Roots of Representative Government ; England : Magna Charta – Limited king’s power English Bill of Rights – Extended rights to the People Common Law of – Based on precedent: ( past decisions ) Declaration Independence applied fairly Principles – John Locke Colonies : Natural Rights – Life, liberty, property Social Contract– 1–stRuler derives power from the VA. House of Burgesses colonial legislature Mayflower Compact – Pilgrims agreed to govern themselves people. They may overthrow Congregationalism – Male church vote and hold office unjustmembers government Author : Thomas Jefferson Preamble : Introduction List of Grievances : Complaints against King George III. Longest section 1.03 : What were the causes of the American Revolution ? 1.04 : How did a unique American identity emerge ? Colonial Rebellion & Independence : Mercantilism – Britain controlled trade of the colonies Salutary Neglect – Colonies had large degree of self-government due to distance. Ended with cost of French & Indian War and new taxation “No taxation without representation” – Colonists felt their rights were violated by Britain Event Proclamation of 1763 Sugar Act Stamp Act Declatory Act Townsend Acts Other Authors / Documents : John Dickinson : Letter from a Pennsylvania Farmer – protested Townsend Acts Thomas Paine : Common Sense – Argued for independence Coercive Acts / “Intolerable” Acts Battles of Lexington & Concord Effect Prohibited settlement west of Appalachian Mts. 1st considered to be revenue tax by colonists 1st direct tax Stated Parliament could make any laws over colonists Tax on various imported goods Punished colonists for Boston Tea Party First armed conflict Battle of Saratoga Turning point of the war Battle of Yorktown End of the war Colonial Reaction Ignored law Boycott (non-importation ) of British goods led to repeal of tax Boycott led to repeal. Colonist met at Stamp Act Congress Boycott led to repeal of all but tax on tea. Colonists protested with Boston Tea Party Colonists met at First Continental Congress Second Continental Congress and “Olive Branch” Petition Colonists received open support from France 1.06 : How did the Federalist and Anti- 1.05 : What major domestic problems did the nation face under the Articles of Federalist Papers view the role and power of government Confederation and to what extent were they resolved by the Constitution ? differently ? Federalist Papers Power given to : States to ratify : Branches of government Power to enforce taxes? Power to regulate interstate commerce? Dealt effectively with rebellion? Anti-Federalist Papers Articles of Confederation States All 13 Unicameral legislature only Constitution No National Government 9 of 13 Bicameral Legislature Executive Judicial Yes No Yes No – Shays’ Rebellion Yes – Whiskey Rebellion Power for National government For Constitution ? Supporters States Yes Hamilton, Jay, Madison No Patrick Henry, George Mason Loose Constructionist View Strict Constructionist View Strong national government Federalist Party Implied Powers Necessary & Proper Clause or “Elastic Clause” Strong State powers Democratic-Republican Party Supported by 10th Amendment 1.07 To what extent does the Bill of Rights extend the Constitution ? Amendment st 1 2nd 3rd 4th 5th 6th 7th 8th 9th 10th Rights Freedoms of religion, speech, press; right to assemble and petition government Right to bear arms No quartering of soldiers in homes during peacetime No unreasonable searches or seizures; “right to privacy” No double jeopardy / right to not testify against oneself Right to fair & speedy trial / right to counsel ( lawyer ) Right to jury trial in civil cases involving $20 or more No “cruel and unusual” punishment People not limited to rights stated in the Bill of Rights Powers not given to national government are reserved to the States and People 1.08 How is the American system of government similar to and different from other forms of government ? Term Democracy Direct Democracy Republic Presidential Parliamentary Authoritarian Communist Meaning Rule by the People U.S. ? ( Y / N ) Y Every citizens votes on all issues N Voters elect officials to govern for them Y System with elected head of executive branch Y System with a Prime Minister who is head of the legislature Power is in the hands of a dictator or group of people N Dictatorship of one party – no private ownership of property N 2.01 What principles are embodied in the United States Constitution ? N Term Popular Sovereignty Federalism Separation of Powers Checks & Balances Definition Authority for the government comes from the People Power is divided between states & national government Powers of national government are divided among branches of government Each branch of government can restrain the other branches Powers Expressed Given to National Government only Examples Declare war, make treaties Concurrent Both Tax, make & enforce laws Reserved States only Establish and regulate public schools 2.02 How does the Constitution organize the three branches of government at the national level in terms of structure and powers ? Legislative Branch – Congress ; “Makes the laws” Members Representation Based On Requirements Term Leader Specific Functions Bicameral = 2 Houses ( result of Great Compromise ) House of Representatives 435 Population – per Census 25 yrs. Old / 7 yr. U.S. resident / citizen 2 yrs. Speaker of the House Originate “money bills” Impeach officials / judges Senate 100 2 per state 30 yrs. Old / 9 yrs. U.S. resident / citizen 6 yrs. President Pro Tempore when the VicePresident is not in attendance. V.P. may break tie votes. Approve treaties Approve presidential appointments Trial of impeached officials / judges Legislative Terms Filibuster Cloture Whips Standing Committees Conference Committees Select Committees Joint Committee Franking privilege Casework Gerrymander Significance Senators may speak as long as they want to delay legislation 3/5 vote of Senate to end a filibuster Keep track of votes and encourage party members to vote a certain way Permanent committees like Ways & Means committee Work out differences in bills to be passed by House and Senate Temporary committees to investigate an issue Committee with members of both House and Senate Free postage to send mail to constituents ( people they represent ) Help a legislator gives to constituents in dealing with government agencies When congressional districts are drawn up to favor one party over the other ( illegal ) Limits to Congressional Power – Congress may not Suspend habeus corpus in peacetime Pass ex-post facto laws Pass bills of attainder Right to be presented before a judge and evidence shown to hold in jail Holding someone responsible for a crime before it was made illegal Suspending a person’s right to a jury trial Executive Branch ; “Enforces the law” Presidential Roles Must be 35 yrs. old / native born citizen / resident of U.S. for 14 yrs. Commander-in-Chief Chief Diplomat Head of State Legislative Leader Power to veto bills Economic Leader President Head of military Directs foreign policy Represents U.S. to other leaders Proposes laws for Congress to consider Propose budget, etc. passed by Congress Executive Departments Cabinet = Heads of the executive Depts... Advise the president Independent Agencies Judicial Branch – “Interpret the law” Supreme Court Appellate Courts District Courts Chief Executive Party Leader 15 Departments Dept. of Homeland Security Head of executive epts./ agencies Leader of his political party Coordinate defense against terrorist acts Manages public lands and Dept. of Interior resources Carries out foreign policy Dept. of State Law enforcement Dept. of Justice Deal with specialized areas of government - ex. N.A.S.A. Provide services but at no profit – ex. U.S. Postal Service Executive Agencies Government Corporations Regulatory Boards & Make and enforce rules for industries and groups – ex. Federal Commissions Communications Commission ( F.C.C.) Appointed by Pres. and approved by Senate Life Term Highest Court – original jurisdiction for disputes between states and trial of foreign officials only Requirement Hears appeals / reviews cases from lower courts. No original jurisdiction Has original jurisdiction for most cases 1 court with nine justices. Have power of judicial review – may determine constitutionality of laws. Result of Marbury v. Madison case 12 geographic circuit courts and 1 federal circuit court for special cases 94 district courts 2.04 What are the procedures for changing the Constitution ? 2/3 vote of Congress or state conventions then 3/4 of states must ratify What have been the effects of past changes to the Constitution ? ( beyond the Bill of Rights ) Amendment 11 12 13 14 15 16 ( I ) 17 ( S ) 18 ( A ) 19 ( W ) 20 21 22 25 26 27 Effect Can’t use federal courts to sue a citizen of another state Fixed problems in electing the president Abolished slavery Equal rights to all citizens ( anyone born or naturalized in U.S.) Suffrage ( vote ) not restricted by race, Extended to African-American males Income tax allowed Senators directly elected by the people Alcohol prohibited ( Prohibition began ) Suffrage given to women Moved inauguration of president up to Jan 20th Ended Prohibition 2 term limit for presidents Vice president succeeds the president upon death or removal from office 18 year olds may vote Salary increases for members of Congress can not go into effect until the following House election 2.05 What court cases have demonstrated that the U.S. Constitution is the supreme law of the land and how have they done so ? Case Decision Established judicial review for the Supreme Court Ruled that the states could not tax an agency ( National Bank ) of the national government. Upheld supremacy of the national government over the states Affirmed that only the national government could regulate interstate commerce Gibbons v. Ogden Protected constitutional right to own slaves by overturning compromises on slavery in the Dred Scott v. Sandford territories Allowed segregation of the races. “Separate but equal” Plessy v. Ferguson Stated segregation no longer allowed. “Segregation is inherently unequal” Brown v. Board of Education Allowed the internment of Japanese-Americans during WWII for purposes of national Korematsu v. U.S. security Upheld federal civil rights legislation banning racial discrimination Heart of Atlanta Motel v. U.S. Allowed busing to enforce federal court orders to integrate schools Swann v. Charlotte-Mecklenberg 2.06 What court cases have demonstrated that the Constitution & Bill of Rights protect the rights of individuals and how ? Marbury v. Madison McCulloch v. Maryland First Amendment Rights Engle v. Vitale Tinker v. Des Moines Hazelwood v. Kuhlmeier Texas v. Johnson Prayer in school violates the establishment clause against an official religion Upheld right of students to wear black armbands in protest of the Vietnam War as freedom of speech Allowed school administration to censor content of student newspaper Allowed flag burning as a form of free speech for political protest Rights of the Accused : Gideon v. Wainwright Miranda v. Arizona Mapp v. Ohio Furman v. Georgia Right to legal counsel even if cannot afford one Suspects must be informed of their rights at time of arrest Evidence gained in violation of the 4th amendment may not be used ( exclusionary rule ) Death penalty must be applied fairly ( not discriminate by race ) Other Civil Liberties : Roe v. Wade Legalized a woman’s right to an abortion 2.07 In what ways are modern controversies over powers of the federal government similar to the Federalists- AntiFederalists debate? Loose Constructionist view : allows expansion of national power ( Federalists ) Support for social welfare programs supported by increased taxes Growth of “big government” / added executive departments Strict constructionist view : limits national power ( Antifederalists ) Opposed to “big government” and taxation Support for term limits for government officials 2.08 How does the national government raise revenue from taxation and other sources ? Income tax Excise tax Tariffs / duties Estate tax Corporate taxes Progressive taxation Taxes paid on earnings Tax on certain goods produced within the nation Tax on imports Tax on wealth passed onto heirs Taxes paid by businesses U.S. graduated income tax is an example. Higher incomes pay a greater percentage of income Regressive taxation Bonds Excise taxes are an example. Has greater impact on lower incomes Certificates that promise repayment with interest 2.09 What services do government agencies provide citizens and how are they funded ? Agency Federal Bureau of Investigation ( F.B.I.) Central Intelligence Agency ( C.I.A.) Federal Emergency Management Agency Internal Revenue Service ( I.R.S. ) Center for Disease Control ( C.D.C. ) Citizenship and Immigration Service ( C.I.S. ) formerly called the Immigration and Naturalization Service ( I.N.S.) Function Investigates federal crimes U.S. spy agency Responds to natural disasters Collects taxes Addresses the threat of diseases to the nation Oversees admission of people to the U.S. and the application process for citizenship 3.02 How do the North Carolina Constitution and local charters define the framework, organization, and structure of government at the state and local levels ? N.C. Legislative Branch N.C. Executive Branch N.C. General Assembly - Bicameral Special Powers Governor commute reduce a criminal sentence ( ex. death to life in prison ) Head of Executive parole Grant early release from Branch prison Lt. Governor Cabinet Council of State N.C. Judicial Branch Supreme Court Court of Appeals Superior Court District Court 2nd to governor 10 heads of executive depts. Report to the governor 8 heads of depts.. Report to the NC. legislature 7 justices. Court of last appeal Reviews lower court decisions Handles felonies and large civil cases Handles misdemeanors, small civil cases, and other types of 2 yr. terms 4 yr. term Elected for 8 yrs. 8 yr. terms 8 yr. terms Elected for 4 yr. terms law ( family/divorce/ traffic ) Local Government Municipal government Serves Cities, towns, villages Managed by Mayor – Council Form Council – Manager Form Commission Form County Government Large subdivision of a state ( 100 in N.C. ) Mayor – executive Strong Has veto An elected Board of Commissioners power. governs most counties. Many appoint a Appoints professional county manager to run many day to day operations. officials Weak Council Some county offices are run by elected has most officials like sheriff and district powers attorney Council Passes ordinances – legislative city laws Council appoints a professional to manage city departments. Began as reform of corrupt and inefficient government Elected as heads of city departments. They choose one of their members to be mayor 3.04 How may the state constitution and local charters be changed ? 2 Step Process : 1. Proposed and passed by the legislature 2. ratified by the voters 3.05 What court cases have demonstrated that the North Carolina Constitution is the supreme law of the state? Leandro v. North Carolina ( 1997 ) : The North Carolina Constitution guarantees the right to an education. In 1994, parents from 5 low wealth counties sued the state for assistance because they felt their counties did not provide an adequate education. The NC. State Supreme Court ruled against equity ( equal spending ) among school districts but upheld adequacy ( must achieve level III on EOCs ) to guide spending. 3.08 How does the state raise revenue from taxation and other sources ? Sources of State Revenue Intergovernmental revenue Sales tax State employee retirement taxes Income tax From the federal government. Tax on goods & services Used to fund pensions for state employees Tax on wages, salary, etc. # 1 source # 2 source but #1 tax source # 3 source # 4 source From the state Tax on assessed value of home, car, etc. # 1 source #2 source but #1 tax source Sources of County Revenue Intergovernmental revenue Property tax 4.01 How are political parties organized ? Types of Political Parties Major One of the two dominant parties throughout U.S. history Third Single Issue Address issues not dealt with by the major parties Develop around a specific issue Independent Develop around well-known individuals 1st Two : Federalists & DemocraticRepublicans ( Hamilton & Jefferson ) Currently : Democrats & Republicans Ex: Populist and Progressive Parties Ex: Prohibition Party and Right to Life Party Ex : Ross Perot and Reform Party Ideological Seek major changes in society Ex: Green or Communist Parties Party Systems One Party Authoritarian governments like communist China Two Party Two dominant parties though others are allowed. Ex. : United States ( Democrats & Republicans ) Multiple parties as in most parliamentary systems. Usually multiple parties must form a coalition to have a majority to govern Multi-Party Term Platform Plank Primary Caucus General election Ward Precinct Political Machine Definition Political party’s statement of beliefs Each statement in a platform Election to determine a party’s candidate for the general election Used by some states as an alternative to a primary Election between different parties for elected office Part of a voting district Part of a ward When one party had control of a local government Ex. : Tammany Hall in N.Y. city in the late 1800s controlled by the Democrats and “Boss Tweed” 6.01 : Trace the development of law in American society Landmark Historical Documents Code of Hammurabi Twelve Tables Code of Justinian Common Law 6.02 : Cite examples of types of law First known set of laws ( Ancient Babylon ) Laws of the Roman Empire Laws of the Byzantine Empire British tradition of law based on precedent, past example Statutory Administrative Punishes unacceptable behavior Adversarial system Concerns disputes between individuals Tort Suits-in-equity Divorce, family law Regulates our behaviors Sets rules for government agencies to follow Constitutional International Determines rights under the Constitution Treaties and other agreements with other nations Criminal Civil Illegal to steal, etc. Prosecution vs. Defense Lawsuits for monetary damage usually Cases involving damage from negligence Seek fair treatment in cases not covered by the law Local ordinance against smoking in public places Congress made it illegal for the C.I.A. to assassinate foreign leaders Supreme Court cases N.A.F.T.A. trade agreement 6.03 : What are the various procedures in the enactment, implementation, and enforcement of law ? How A Bill Becomes A Law Bill Proposed Only Senators or Representatives may propose a law Bill assigned a number Sent to committee Committee Action Assigned to appropriate standing committee Floor Action House and Senate debate the bill Committee may recommend passage or kill the bill If passes as is by both then goes to the president If changed by either then goes to conference committee Conference Action Members from both Senate and House work out a compromise bill Compromise bill sent back for vote If passed then goes to president Passage President may sign bill into law or veto bill If president does nothing, it passes after 10 days normally If 10 days left in Congressional session, president may do nothing and it is automatically vetoed ( pocket veto ) Procedure In A Criminal Case Arrest Suspect taken into custody by police Preliminary Hearing Suspect appears before judge and bail is set Indictment Grand jury (or judge) hears evidence and decides whether or not to send suspect to trial Arraignment Trial Verdict Suspect brought before a judge and makes a plea of guilty or not guilty Prosecution and Defense argue their cases to a jury Acquittal – found not guilty or Guilty – sentenced by judge Prosecution may offer defendant a plea bargain – lesser crime if plead guilty and avoid trial Defendant may decline a jury and have a bench trial with judge only If a hung jury results then prosecution may retry the case 6.08 : What methods are used by society to address criminal and anti-social behaviors ? Prison Parole Probation Boot Camp House Arrest Community Service Restitution / Reparations Incarceration. Remove felon from society Early release from prison. Must meet with parole officer for monitoring Meet with probation officer and keep terms of agreement to avoid prison Short but intense military-like imprisonment meant to rehabilitate Person is confined to their home Person must do specified volunteer work Person must pay damages for their crime Mandatory sentencing Judge is required by law to give certain minimum punishments. Response to problem of recidivism ( repeat offenders ) Juvenile Court Purpose is rehabilitation, not just punishment Economics : Study of how we make decisions in a world with limited resources ( scarcity ) Thus, we make : trade offs - alternative if you do one thing rather than another ( watch tv rather than study ) And have : opportunity costs - cost of the next best use of your time or money when you do or buy another thing ( do poorly on test the next day ) Necessary for survival Things we would like to have Needs Wants Goods Services Products Work performed for someone else Fixed Variable Stays the same May change over time Marginal “Additional / extra” food, shelter, clothing luxury items, car, cable tv, etc. shoes, stereo, shovel, television cable tv, car wash, healthcare Revenue Costs Benefit Money brought in / sales Money it takes to make a good or service What you get from something ( + or - ) Fixed Costs : rent / mortgage for a building, loan payment Marginal Cost = Cost of producing one additional unit of a good Variable Costs : natural resources, wages Supply & Demand Draw Supply & Demand Curves to figure out the laws Supply curve goes up ( left to right ) Demand curve goes down Price on left and Quantity on bottom Just read the curve to figure out the law Law of Supply : As price goes up, supply goes up and vice versa Law of Demand : As price goes up, demand goes down and vice versa Where supply and demand are equal, you have the equilibrium price Surplus & Shortage : Look at equidistant points on supply and demand curves Compare the supply quantity vs, demand quantity Surplus = higher supply than demand Shortage = higher demand than supply If It Consumer Demand Goes Makes Prices Go Up Go Down Demand Curve Down Moves to left Up Moves to right Consumer Changes that Contribute # consumers increase / consumer income increases / expectation of product shortage / product popular # consumers decrease / consumer income decreases If It Makes Prices Supply Offered Goes Supply Curve Changes that Contribute Go Up Up Moves to right Go Down Down Moves to left Cost of resources increase / workers are less productive / higher taxes / more government regulations Cost of resources decrease / workers are more productive / lower taxes / less regulations / business receives subsidy Demand for a Good or Service Demand Is Changes when price changes Does not change much when price changes Elastic Inelastic Substitute Goods Complementary goods Competing products that can be used in place of each other Products used together butter and margarine, Coke and Pepsi computers and software Demand moves in opposite directions Demand moves in same production Factors of Production = Entrepreneur Capital Natural Resources Labor Things needed to produce goods and services Individuals who start new businesses and innovations Tools, machinery, buildings, money used to make products Things in nature used in production of goods Physical and mental efforts of people Types of Businesses ( Sole ) Proprietorship Partnership Corporation Franchise Cooperative Single owner. Owner is liable ( responsible ) for business’ debts, negligence, etc. Two or more owners. Also have liability Owned by shareholders ( own stock ). ex. Microsoft Corp. They have limited liability ( may lose on investment but not responsible for company negligence, etc. ) Share of profit paid out to shareholders Dividend Profit from selling a stock for a gain Capital Gains Sells name and products for use by others ( ex. McDonald’s ) Type of non-profit business that benefits its members ( ex. credit union ) Measuring the Economy Gross National Product ( G.N.P. ) / Gross Domestic Product ( G.D.P. ) Unemployment Rate Consumer Price Index ( C.P.I. ) inflation deflation Sum of all goods and services produced in a given year % of workers that can not find a job Tracks costs of goods over time ( inflation ) Rise in cost of goods over time Decrease in cost of goods over time The Business Cycle Recession Economy begins to decline ( contraction ) Depression Lowest point in the business cycle Recovery Real G.D.P. begins to go back up. The economy is expanding Prosperity High point in the business cycle G.D.P. decreasing, unemployment increasing G.D.P. at lowest, unemployment at highest G.D.P. increasing, unemployment decreasing G.D.P. at highest, unemployment at lowest International Trade Exports Imports Tariff / Duty Quotas Comparative advantage Free Trade Agreements North American Free Trade Agreement ( N.A.F.T.A.) European Union ( E.U. ) Union Type Craft / Trade Industrial Goods sold to other countries Goods bought from other nations Tax on imports. To raise revenue or protect American manufacturers Limits on number of goods than may be imported Ability of one country to produce goods at a lower cost than another ( due to better technology or cheaper labor ) Agreement to lower tariffs and other trade barriers U.S., Mexico and Canada Trade agreement among 15 European nations Organizes Skilled workers only ( electricians, etc. ) All workers in an industry Examples American Federation of Labor ( A.F.L. ) Congress of Industrial Organizations ( C.I.O. ) United Auto Workers ( U.A.W. ) Unions Support Collective Bargaining Closed Shop Strike Employers Support Union bargains on behalf of members with employer Employer must hire only union workers Workers refuse to go to work Right to Work Laws Prevents unions from making workers join Open Shop Lockout Employer does not allow workers to work Negotiations A third party helps two individuals or groups to compromise A third party hears both sides then makes the decision Mediation Arbitration Money, Banking, and the Government Currency Commercial Banks Savings & Loans Credit Unions Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation ( F.D.I.C. ) Federal Reserve Bank Certificate of Deposit ( C.D. ) Includes both paper money and coins. Produced by the Treasury Dept. Offer full services to individuals and businesses Traditionally offer services to individuals Only available to members of the sponsoring group. Operate as not-for-profit banks. Insures individual accounts in case of bank failure. Resulted from banking crisis of the Great Depression The central bank of the U.S. It was founded in 1913. It sets the discount interest rate ( rate banks may borrow from it ) and affects the rates banks charge consumers. Will lower rates to stimulate borrowing and the economy Pays a fixed rate of interest for a set period of time Stages of Economic Development Agricultural Economy Farming primarily. Traditional societies with less developed technology Manufacturing Economy Service Economy Industry more than farming Services more than industry U.S. currently Comparing Economic Systems Type of Economy Market Economy Command Economy Mixed Economy Who owns the factors of production? Who decides what, how, and for whom to produce goods? Private Citizens Businesses Government Government Private Citizens Private Citizens – but government sets regulations Miscellaneous No pure market economies in the world Former U.S.S.R., Cuba, North Korea ( communist nations ) United States and most nations Role of Government Terms Laissez-faire Monopoly Trust Antitrust laws Merger Regulatory Supporters believe government should not interfere with the economy. Against government regulations Supported by Adam Smith in his book Wealth of Nations When a business dominates its industry Business combination formed to establish a monopoly ( Ex. Standard Oil Co. ) Passed to prevent monopolies ( Ex. Sherman Antitrust act ) Broke up standard Oil and AT& T When two companies join together. Must have approval of the government and not unfairly lower competition Role of government to set rules Securities & Exchange Oversees the stock markets for and monitor the activities Commission ( S.E.C. ) of business to ensure fair Prosecutes illegal business Federal Trade Commission competition and to protect the consumer ( F.T.C.) Federal Communications Commission ( F.C.C.) Food & Drug Administration ( F.D.C. ) activity Oversees radio and television industries Oversees safety of the food supply and health claims