Unit 1: American Citizenship

Unit 1: American Citizenship

1. What is the purpose of government?

   • To keep order, protect the community, provide services, guide the community, have financial planning, and develop relationships.
     • Which amendment guarantees citizenship to those born in the US?
       • The 14th amendment.
         • What is a multi-party system?
           • Countries with three or more competing parties.
             • What are the steps in a presidential election?
               • The candidates are selected, they campaign, then there is the primary election for each party to have 1 candidate, then the president is selected in the general election.
         • What is the difference between a liberal and a conservative?
           • Liberals are a strong government that solves social problems, and likes equality. Conservatives are a small government that don't like change and like individual freedom.
             • How many Electoral College votes are necessary to win the presidency?
               • 270 votes (51%)
     • What are our duties as citizens?
       • To obey the laws, guys have to sign up for the selective service at 18, pay taxes, serve on a jury, and attend school until 16.
         • What do radicals believe? How is this different from reactionaries?
           • Radicals want to change the entire system and often through revolution. Reactionaries are people who are suspicious of change.
         • What are the types of elections?
           • Primary, general, recall, and referendum elections.
     • What is a moderate?
       • They believe that change can come from within an existing government.

2. What are some services provided by the government?

   • Utilities (electricity, water), police, schools, roads, and goods.
     • What are our responsibilities as citizens?
       • To stay informed, vote, work and pay bills, keep your property clean, volunteer in your community, and work for the common good of all.
     • What is the difference between democratic and authoritarian governments?
       • Democratic: ruled by the people; voting; representative; rule of law; consent of governed Authoritarian: total control; run by one or a small group; hereditary; can be taken by force
         • Steps in a general election:
           • 1) Register at 18, 2) go to assigned voting place from 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m., 3) poll worker checks off your name, 4) vote.
             • What is the purpose of propaganda?
               • A candidate campaigns to try to get people to vote for them.
         • How does voter apathy undermine the democratic process?
           • In a democratic government, it allows the people to participate and when they don't, it shows they don't care or think it matters.
     • What is a referendum?
       • An election that votes for a state law or issue.
         • How are political machines harmful to voters?
           • They convince people to believe other things and vote different.

3. What does it mean to be a citizen?

   • A person with rights and duties under a government and has loyalty to a nation.
     • What is the purpose of a political party?
       • They campaign for candidates, inform citizens about public issues and the government, and helps manage the government.
         • What voting option is available to someone who is out of their voting district during an election?
           • Get an absentee ballot early, vote, then send it in before election day.
             • What are interest groups? How do they try to influence elections?
               • A group of people with common interests that sponsor the president to try to get stuff done in their interest.
             • What is a grassroots campaign?
               • A campaign that starts among the people and spreads
         • Propaganda:
           • Endorsement: famous person speaks for you Image molding: stand in front of a flag Stacked deck: makes you look better than your opponent
     • America has what type of party system?
       • A two-party system.
         • Republican party platform:
           • Conservative; also known as the Grand Old Party (GOP), they don't have strong environmental laws, against abortion, raising taxes, and welfare. They are for lowering taxes, death penalty, and guns.
             • Role of primary elections:
               • Decide who will run in the general election and narrows candidates from each party to one.

4. What are two ways to become a US citizen?

   • By birth or by naturalization.
     • Democrat party platform:
       • Liberal; don't mind government being in our lives; Against lowering taxes for everyone, death penalty, gun control, and spending on military. For environmental rules, welfare, raising minimum wage, and abortion.
     • What is a country with a one-party system?
       • Communist parties.
         • What is the difference between open and closed primaries?
           • Open primaries: you can vote for 1 democratic and 1 republican. Closed primaries: you can only vote for the party you chose when you registered.
             • What is canvassing?
               • When people go door to door or make phone calls trying to get you to vote for a candidate.