City Life (Citizenship): Laws and Justices
Lesson Goals
The students will be able to discuss and illustrate the structure and function of the Constitution: Articles I, II, and III.
The students will be able to evaluate the three branches of government and the process of making laws.
The students will be able to create laws for their upcoming day to Enterprise City.
Lesson Vocabulary
constitution:
The document that establishes the basic principles and fundamental laws of the United States.
Lesson Vocabulary
democracy: A government system that is
based on majority rule. A type of government that is run by its people.
Lesson Vocabulary
executive branch: A part of the government that
ensures the laws are carried out, the leadership of a government.
Lesson Vocabulary
judicial branch: A part of the government that
reviews the law.
Lesson Vocabulary
laws: A rule of conduct or procedure that is
established by custom, agreement, or authority within a community. The citizens of the community must follow these rules for safety and running of the community.
Lesson Vocabulary
taxes: A contribution that supports a
government, required of persons or businesses within the domain of that government.
The Constitution Video
School House Rocks: The Preamble
The Constitution
Understanding the Constitution Activity
Responsive Reading: Government
Three Branches of U.S. Government
Pg. 35
Three Branches of Government Video
School House Rocks: Three-Ring Government
What Does the Executive Branch Do?
Executive Branch (Mayor)
The executive branch of government enforces the laws of the land
The President (mayor) is the head of the executive branch, which makes laws official
The President (mayor) approves and carries out laws passed by the legislative branch
Constitutional Hall Informational Video
What Does the Judicial Branch Do?
Judicial Branch (Judge)
A court system with the Supreme Court the highest court of the land
Decisions made by the Supreme Court are usually of national importance
"Equal Justice under Law" is the motto of the Supreme Court
Judicial Branch (Judge)
When questions concerning particular laws arise in lower courts, the justices who make up the Supreme Court are responsible for explaining and interpreting the Constitution
All of the other courts in the United States must follow the ruling or the decision made by the justices of the Supreme Court
Constitutional Hall Informational Video
The Supreme Court and the Student Connection Homework Assignment
Choose one of the Supreme Court Cases About Students from the Article
Write a full paragraph (minimum of 5 sentences) based on your opinion about the Supreme Court’s ruling on the case -- Due September
What Does the Legislative Branch Do?
Constitutional Hall Informational Video
Legislative Branch(Enterprise City Citizens)
Two Legislative Houses :
Legislative Branch
A "bill" is introduced when(by)a member of Congress decides to create a new law
Any member of Congress can introduce a bill
Note: Only members of the House may introduce bills that deal with taxes or spending
Legislative Branch
Once a bill is introduced in either house it goes through a process: Each bill is first assigned to a committee for review
The bill is set aside, if the committee decides the bill is not worthy
The bill is sent to the entire house for debate if the committee decides the bill is worthy of further action
Legislative Branch
The entire house discusses, debates, and votes on the bill
If the bill passes, it is sent to the other house
Legislative Branch
The same process is repeated in the other house (repeat note for space 5)
A joint committee works out any differences the two houses of Congress have concerning a bill
When both houses agree on a bill, the Speaker of the House and the Vice President sign it
Legislative Branch
The bill is sent to the President If the President signs the bill, it becomes a law
Legislative Branch
If the President doesn't like it, he can veto it and send it back to Congress
Both houses of Congress then have three choices: They can change the bill so it is more to the President's liking
They can agree that the bill will never be passed and let it go
They can vote to override the President’s veto
I am a bill (process of becoming a law)
Schoolhouse Rocks: I am Just a Bill
Judicial Branch (Judge)
When questions concerning particular laws arise in lower courts, the justices who make up the Supreme Court are responsible for explaining and interpreting the Constitution
All of the other courts in the United States must follow the ruling or the decision made by the justices of the Supreme Court
YOU are now apart of the Legislative Branch
(You will help create the laws for Enterprise City)
Reminder: What is the definition for the term “law” ?
A rule of conduct or procedure that is established by custom, agreement, or authority within a community. The citizens of the community must follow these rules for safety and running of the community.
Creating Laws for Enterprise CityExample of a Law:
School ZoneSpeed Limit 25 MPH7:30 am to 4:30 pmMonday to Friday
Creating Laws for Enterprise City When Writing Laws Remember:
Be reasonable and realistic Make sense Clearly state the behavior wanted in a
positive way (i.e. walking feet to places or walk at all times)
Purpose for Laws: Keep people safe Regulate appropriate behavior
Creating Laws for Enterprise City Standard Laws:
5. Food or drink outside of the Snack Shop eating area is NOT permitted
6. Walking on the grass is NOT permitted 7. Chewing gum is NOT allowed
Write a law that will be introduced by you (the representative), reviewed in a committee, discussed, debated, and voted on September!