a constitutional democracy

A Constitutional A Constitutional DemocracyDemocracy

Chapter 10 Lesson 4Pages 412-419

ObjectivesObjectives

• 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

Sharing PowersSharing Powers

• The federal government has been given certain powers.

• But, these powers are separated among the three branches to limit power

Checks and BalancesChecks 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.

State PowersState Powers

• Tenth Amendment• Any power not clearly given to the

federal government, or denied to the states, belong to the states and the people.

What State Governments What State Governments do…do…

• Build & manage highways and parks

• Oversee public schools & state colleges

• Help residents of their state w/ food, shelter, health care, & other basic needs

Powers states do not have. 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

What powers do states What powers do states have under the have under the Constitution?Constitution?

• Any powers not clearly given to the federal government

Federal, State, LocalFederal, State, Local

Three levels of government

All have elected officials

All collect taxes

Rights & ResponsibilitiesRights & 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

We are a RepublicWe are a Republic

• In a republic people vote for the representatives.

• The people are the source of the government’s authority

VotingVoting

• 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

Voting RightsVoting 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.

Being a CitizenBeing 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

More power given to More power given to peoplepeople

• 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.

Term LimitsTerm 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.

CitizenshipCitizenship

• 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