US Civics Guide and Education
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This Page: Gov't Structure; Terms; Citizen's Rights, Duties; History; Civics Test; Free Speech Cases

This Page: Gov't Structure; Terms; Citizen's Rights, Duties; History; Civics Test; Free Speech Cases

This Page: Gov't Structure; Terms; Citizen's Rights, Duties; History; Civics Test; Free Speech Cases

This Page: Gov't Structure; Terms; Citizen's Rights, Duties; History; Civics Test; Free Speech Cases

This Page: Gov't Structure; Terms; Citizen's Rights, Duties; History; Civics Test; Free Speech Cases

This Page: Gov't Structure; Terms; Citizen's Rights, Duties; History; Civics Test; Free Speech Cases

United States Civics 101

personal freedoms guaranteed under the U.S. Constitution

America is unique. To protect Individual Freedoms & Liberties, the U.S. Constitution limits the powers of the government body.  

"Men of factious tempers... prejudices...sinister designs, may, by intrigue, by corruption...first obtain the [votes] then betray the...people."  #10

Does the Constitution Give Citizens Their Rights?

No.

The Constitution does not give citizens their rights. 

 

The People already had their rights before they created the Constitution. 

It guarantees to protect them. 

 

The Constitution defines & limits the powers of the government body.


(source: U.S. Congress. Constitution Sesquicentennial Commission, The Story of the U.S. Constitution, 1935)

The People Guard Constitutional Rights & Liberties

A Transparent Government

The Media's Responsibility to Ensure a Transparent Government

The 9th Amendment -Protects the Rights of the People

 A transparent government system is necessary  for citizens to keep government accountable for doing their duties, and to know if government is creating regulations and laws which might infringe on their Constitutional Rights, Liberties and Freedoms. 

The 9th Amendment -Protects the Rights of the People

The Media's Responsibility to Ensure a Transparent Government

The 9th Amendment -Protects the Rights of the People

The 9th Amendment states:   The enumeration in the Constitution, of certain rights, shall not be construed to deny or disparage others retained by the people. 

The 10th Amendment -Power to the States & the People

The Media's Responsibility to Ensure a Transparent Government

The Media's Responsibility to Ensure a Transparent Government

 The 10th Amendment states:  The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the States, are reserved to the States respectively, or to the people. 

The Media's Responsibility to Ensure a Transparent Government

The Media's Responsibility to Ensure a Transparent Government

The Media's Responsibility to Ensure a Transparent Government

The media - Investigative journalists are essential to bring forth unbiased information to the public to highlight transparency of government actions and policies, and to expose misdeeds by their representatives.

 

civil rights U.S. Constitution 101

America's Republic System

America's Self-government System Was a Revolutionary Change from the Oppressive Rule Under a Tyrannical King

      No longer Subjects of a King, the United States formed 

a Constitutional Republic style government system. 

Created by the People for the People. 

 

Recognized names for the American Government System

 include: 

- Republic

- Constitution-based federal Republic

- Representative Democracy

(source: uscis.gov)


 In America, the People have personal freedoms & liberties, which neither the State nor Federal government can encroach upon. 

The Constitution limits the powers of government, 

and binds the People of each State together in this Republic system 

of Self-governance. 


The United States has a representative system of self-governance - Through the democratic process 

whereby citizens choose fellow citizens from their communities and states to represent them in their government bodies 

- to make laws; set policies to protect their 

freedoms, liberties and general welfare.


* * *

 U.S. Constitution Article VI:    The Senators and Representatives . . . and the Members of the several State Legislatures, and all executive and judicial Officers, both of the United States 

and of the several States, 

shall be bound by Oath or Affirmation, 

to support this Constitution . . .

  


The Democratic Process is How We the People Elect Representatives to Office

     In order to control their government and protect their 

life, liberty  and pursuit of happiness, 

each citizen must be 

actively involved through 

direct participation as a leader/member, 

and/or in the voting process for their local, state and federal governments.


- A Citizen's responsibility is to learn: 

the pros and cons of each representative's 

political ideology; their voting record 

if they previously served in civil service, 

and then vote into office a person qualified 

to serve on their behalf.


 Over the centuries, the Federal & State 

government's powers have grown.  

The fear of the government becoming 

oppressive rulers 

was well documented by the States (Colonies) 

and was a focus of many debates 

when deciding to join together 

as a Union, under U.S. Constitution. 


*
It is up to an active, participating citizenship 

to keep Federal & State powers in check 

and stop a tyrannical government system 

from developing.
* * *

 


U.S. Economic System

 There are two standard terms to describe 

America's Economic System:  


Capitalism  and  Free-Market


     This American economic system is 

based on the market-system of 

supply and demand 

of goods and services.  

     

     Rather than the government controlling what to produce and who to produce it,  

private citizens, as entrepreneurs* own businesses as a method of financial support and creating wealth. 

Entrepreneurs use

the "free" market system to determine which products & services people want and need.  Entrepreneurs try to meet the supply of those needs & wants and consumers are free to choose what to purchase (demand). 


* An Entrepreneur is one who 

assumes financial, personal 

& other risks 

to undertake a business venture.

The Union of States - "E Pluribus Unum" - United States' Motto: out of many, 0ne

    Basic Terms & Structure - United States Civics 101

    We the People Rule

      The People’s United States government is referred to in several ways: 


    - Central government

     

    - National government 

     

    - Federal government.  


    The U.S. Constitution

    states the powers granted and 

    the powers prohibited to 

    each branch of U.S. government.


    *

      10th Amendment The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the States, are reserved to the States respectively, or to the People.  
      

    The Supreme Law of The Land

     The Supreme Law of the Land is:


    1.  The Constitution of 

    the United States


    2.  All laws made in 

    pursuance thereof 


    3.  All Treaties made, or 

    which shall be made, 

    under the 

    authority 

    of the United States


    4.  All judges in every 

    State shall be bound 

    thereby, notwithstanding

     anything in the 

    constitution or laws 

    of any State to 

    the contrary.




     

    The Federal Government has 3 departments/branches: Legislative, Executive and Judicial

    The Federal Government has 3 departments/branches: Legislative, Executive and Judicial

          Each department, or branch is equal to the other and they act as a “check” on the other branch's powers and have rules to keep their own branch in check and balanced. 


    “Checks and balances” 

    Ensures that no one branch of government 

    or all three, combine power  

    and become tyrannical 

    with the immense powers 

    the People entrust in their care. 


    FEDERALISM  

    Refers to the system of dual powers - the State's & the Federal Union's.  

    Each State has their own Constitution which addresses their state's interests, policies, procedures and laws.  There are separate powers belonging to each state and to the federal government, and there are shared powers.  These powers are explicit and implicit in the U.S. Constitution.  


     

    United States Federal Government 101

    The Law-making Power of the United States Government is Limited to the Legislative Branch

          A Bicameral System 


    (the prefix bi is derived from Latin and means two; 

    Latin cameralis refers to chamber)


    Congress has two chambers (bodies):  

    the Senate and the House of Representatives.


    Both chambers are 

    required to make laws.
     Neither chamber 

    of Congress 

    acting separately 

    can enact a law.      


    According to the US. Constitution: Congress cannot delegate 

    its power 

    to make laws 

    to an executive department or to an administrative 

    officer, nor can any department or officer repeal, 

    extend, or modify an act of Congress.  

     Article I, Sections 

    1 – 10 include the following: 

     
    The Senate 

    1. How Senate is composed  

    2. Eligibility Requirements for office 

    3. Tenure of office  

    4. By whom chosen 

    5. When chosen 

     6. How classed

    7. Vacancies

    8. Vote

    9. Presiding officer 

    10. Senate Powers


    The House of Representatives 

    1. Proportion  

    2. Apportionment

    3. Eligibility 

    4. Term of office 

    5. By whom chosen 

    6. Electors 

    7. Vacancies

    8. Census 

     9. House powers 


         Article I, Section 1 of the U.S. Constitution states:  

     All legislative Powers herein granted shall be 

    vested in a Congress of the United States, 

    which shall consist of a 

    Senate and House of Representatives.  

    The Executive Branch - Law Enforcement Powers

    The President is the sole leader of the Executive Branch.  

    The President is Commander in Chief of the Army and Navy of the United States.


    The Constitution states: 

    "he shall take Care that the Laws 

    be faithfully executed . . ."


    Article II, Sections 1 – 4 

    include the following:

    1. Term of office

    2.  By whom chosen

    3. Voting & Electors

    4. Oath of Office

    5. Salary

    6. Powers & Duties

    7. Vacancies 


     Article II, Sections 1 & 2 of 

    the U.S. Constitution states: 


    The executive Power shall be vested 

    in a President of the 

    United States of America. 

    He shall hold his Office during the 

    Term of four Years, and, together 

    with the Vice President, 

    chosen for the same Term, 

    be elected, as follow:


    Each State shall appoint, in such 

    Manner as the Legislature 

    thereof may direct, 

    a Number

     of Electors, 

    equal to the whole Number of 

    Senators and Representatives 

    to which the State may be 

    entitled in the Congress . . .


           He shall have Power, by and with the 

    Advice and Consent of the Senate, to make Treaties, provided two thirds of the Senators present concur; 

    and he shall nominate, and by and with 

    the Advice and Consent of the Senate, 

    shall appoint Ambassadors, 

    other public Ministers and Consuls, 

    Judges of the supreme Court, 

    and all other Officers of the United States, 

    whose Appointments are 

    not herein otherwise provided for, 

    and which shall be established by Law . . .  



         

    The Judicial Branch - Power to Review Constitutionality & Equity of Laws & Treaties

     Article III, Section 1 - 3 of the U.S. Constitution includes:


    The Judicial Power of the 

    United States, shall be vested 

    in one Supreme Court, and 

    in such inferior Courts 

    as the Congress may from 

    time to time ordain and establish. 

    The Judges, both of the 

    supreme and inferior Courts, 

    shall hold their Offices during good Behaviour, 

    . . . The Judicial Power shall extend to all Cases, 

    in Law and Equity, arising under this Constitution, 

    the Laws of the United States, and

     Treaties made, or which shall be made, 

    under their Authority . . .  

    By the Numbers: Judicial Branch, Legislative Branch, Executive Branch


      Federal Government Representatives include: 


    • Legislative Branch:


    The U.S. Senate - Each state has two representatives. 

    • 100 Senators 

     

    The U.S. House of Representatives – Each state has a number of representatives commensurate with                their state’s population. 

    • 435 House of Representatives 



    • Judicial Branch: 
    • Supreme Court Justices: 9 (9 since 1869)
    • Courts of Appeal: 13 
    • District Courts: 94 
    • Bankruptcy Courts: 91



    • Executive Branch:
    • 1 President
    • 1 Vice President
    • Cabinet - 15 Executive Departments



    Please see page links for further information 

    U.S. Civics 101 - Overview of Three Branches & Constitutional Duties & Laws


      American Principles & Traditions

      The Preamble to the U.S. Constitution

      The Preamble to the U.S. Constitution

      The Preamble to the U.S. Constitution

         

      We, the people of the United States,


      1.  In order to form a more perfect union;


      2.  Establish justice;


      3.  Insure domestic tranquility;


      4.  Provide for the common defense;


      5.  Promote the general welfare; and,


      6.  Secure the blessing of liberty to 

      ourselves and our posterity,  

          do ordain and establish 

      this Constitution for the 

      United States of America.  



      The American Flag

      The Preamble to the U.S. Constitution

      The Preamble to the U.S. Constitution

      (Pictured above is original flag with 13 stars representing the 13 colonies)    

       

      Today, the 50 white stars on a blue field represent the 50 states.  

      The colors on the flag represent:


      • Red:  valor and bravery


      • White:  purity and innocence


      • Blue:  vigilance, perseverance 

      and justice


      • Stripes: The flag’s 13 alternating red and white stripes represent the original colonies

      Learn Flag Etiquette

      The Pledge of Allegiance

      The Preamble to the U.S. Constitution

      The Pledge of Allegiance


      "I pledge allegiance to the flag 

      of the 

      United States of America, 

      and 

      to the republic 

      for which it stands, 

      one nation 

      under God, 

      indivisible, 

      with liberty 

      and 

      justice for all." 



      Basic Rights of Citizens

      The Pledge of Allegiance

      Right to Life 

      Right to Liberty

      Right to Pursuit of Happiness 

      Right to Equality under the law


      *  * *

      The people had all their rights and liberties before they created the Constitution.


      The Constitution was formed, among other purposes, to make the people's liberties secure - secure not only as against foreign attack but against oppression by their own government.


      They set specific limits upon their national government and upon the States, and 

      reserved to themselves all powers 

      that they did not grant. 


       

      (source: U.S. Constitution Sesquicentennial Commission, established by a 

      Joint Resolution of the Congress of 

      the United States, 

      approved August 23, 1935).   


                      




       


      A Citizen's Responsibilities

       

      • Loyalty - to the United States and the words and spirit of the Constitution


      • Obey - the laws of the United States


      • Vote – Learn about your representatives and determine who will represent your interests best and the interests of America.


      • Jury Duty – Participate in the court system as a juror to decide facts in legal cases involving peers in your community. 


      * * *


       Allegiance to the Republic
          

      U.S. Constitution, Article IV, Section 4:
       

      The United States shall guarantee to every 

      State in this Union 

      a Republican Form of Government, and shall protect each of them against Invasion; 

      and . . . against domestic Violence.  
       

      Excerpt from the Declaration of Independence

           "WE hold these Truths to be self-evident, that all Men are created equal, 

      that they are endowed by their Creator 

      with certain unalienable* Rights, 

      that among these are 

      Life, Liberty, and 

      the Pursuit of Happiness. 

           Governments are instituted 

      among Men, 

      deriving their 

      just Powers from 

      the Consent of the Governed,

       that whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these Ends, 

      it is the 

      Right of the People to 

      alter or to abolish it, and 

      to institute new Government, laying its Foundation on such Principles . . .


      We mutually Pledge to each other,

      Our Lives, Our Fortunes and

      Our Sacred Honor . . ."  

      July 4, 1776    


      * Unalienable - Permanent; cannot be removed

      American Principles Found in The Federalist Papers #10 & #51

      1/2

      From Articles of Confederation to the Constitution

      Signing U.S. Declaration of Independence, by Trumbull

      Signing Declaration of Independence, by Trumbull.

      The Declaration has 1,458 words including signatures.  The Declaration was signed in the Philadelphia State House.

      The first known formal use of "united" States of America was in the Declaration of Independence.

      Signing U.S. Constitution By Chandler Christy, 1940

      Signing U.S. Constitution, by C. Christy.

      The document is 4,543 words, including the signatures.  George Washington presided. 

      God & The Golden Rules - The Foundation of Life & Law

      The Golden Rules of a Civil Society

      The Golden Rules of a Civil Society

      The Golden Rules of a Civil Society

       

      America was founded on the Judeo-Christian principles expressed in the Ten Commandments. The Biblical Abraham, has been widely accepted by Jewish, Christian and Muslim religions as the Father of all nations. Moses, as told by the Old Testament, brought the tablet of Commandments as stated by God, to all the People of the World to follow.   




       
       


      The Golden Rules of a Civil Society

      The Golden Rules of a Civil Society

       

      Throughout the ages, the Commandments IV-X (4-10) have been accepted universally as the "Golden" Rules, which are the basic behaviors expected in a civil society, and are the foundation of many laws in America and throughout the world. 

       
      There are many religions and religious-sects practiced in the United States, and the First Amendment of the Constitution provides the People the guaranteed freedom to believe or not believe in a religion or God - without government interference.  Also, no government body can establish a religion (or religious sect) which citizens must follow. 


      The First Amendment begins:  "Congress shall make no laws respecting anEstablishment of religion, orProhibiting the free exercise thereof; Or Abridging the Freedom of speech . . ." 



      In God We Trust

      In God We Trust

      In God We Trust

      In God We Trust

       "In God We Trust" refers to trust in  the Creator of life and the Universe. This saying does not refer to a particular religion or a government body which might claim to rule by divine right or any other right.


      * * *

       As referenced in the Declaration of Independence, our Creator of life is responsible for our birth right to equal and unalienable rights; to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness - Not a man or a government body.

        

      The U.S. Declaration of Independence begins:

      ”We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness . . ."

      E-Pluribus Unum

      In God We Trust

      In God We Trust

      Latin for "Out of Many, One."


      E Pluribus Unum is a phrase found on American money. 

      Civics Study

      Practice US gov't site test

      Government tyranny led the People to create a new government system - for the people - to protect individual liberty & freedom

      Timeline of major taxation events leading colonists to form new self-government system

        The Executive Branch

        The Legislative Branch

        The Legislative Branch

        The President, Vice President & Cabinet 


        Duties & History United States Civics and Government

        Learn more

        The Legislative Branch

        The Legislative Branch

        The Legislative Branch

        Congress 


        The Senate

        The House of Representatives


        Duties & History united states civics and government

        Learn more

        The Judicial Branch

        The Legislative Branch

        Colonial Government Systems

        The Supreme Court 

        District Courts

        Circuit Courts


        Duties and History

        Learn more

        Colonial Government Systems

        Colonial Government Systems

        Colonial Government Systems

        King George's Government System

        The Continental Congress & 

        Articles of  Confederation

        Learn more

        U.S. Constitution 101

        Colonial Government Systems

        Declaration of Independence

        Learn facts, history and read the text

        Click here

        Declaration of Independence

        Colonial Government Systems

        Declaration of Independence

         The Declaration of Independence from English rule under King George III was made at a time when individual freedom and liberty was only imagined.  

        Read the Document

        the old world brought thousands of years of normalized oppression to the US & change took time, blood & bravery

        U.S. History

        1500s Spain classified racial lineage

        U.S. Colony

        1600 - English Colony classifications

        Colonial Punishment - Stocks 
Public torture & humiliation
Methods imported from Europe

        Colonial punishment - Stocks

        Public humiliation was common.

        Indentured Servant in Colonial America

        Indentured Servants - Advertisement 

        White slaves for a specified time period.

        Native Americans

        Native Americans

        Slaves - Human trafficking

        Advertisement

        Slaves - Human trafficking

        Stocks as punishment

        Public punishment - humiliation as a deterrent brought from the old world.

        Religious Freedom

        Many came to America in search

        of religious freedom 

        American Revolution against British rule

        British subjects

        Restless for Freedom

        King George Proclamation against Rebellious Colonists

        King George Proclamation against Rebellious & Seditious Colonists

        Colonial America
Tarred and Feathered

        British loyalist & tax agents 

        were tarred and feathered 

        as public humiliation 

        and intimidation.  

        Don't Tread on Me

        Message of warning by colonist to King- Rattler is deadly when provoked.

        Colonial Publications

        Although many were illiterate,

         printed news spread the word 

        through public town square & 

        private aloud readings.

        Declaration of Independence

        After Declaration was signed, statue of King George III was toppled.

        George Washington

        A true Patriot, George Washington was the United States 1st President.

        U.S. Map 1750

        Map of U.S. 1750

        First 10 Amendments to U.S. Constitution
        U.S. Constitution Debate Photo by John Trumbull

        Founders - Debating the

         foundation of the Republic

        "Out of Many, One"

        Ellis Island Immigration entry

        New York -  From 1892 to 1924, Ellis Island was America's largest and most active immigration station, where over 12 million immigrants were processed. 

        Immigration

        Ellis Island Immigration in New York.

        Doctor conducts health check.

        Law & Order

        Law & Order comes to "Wild West"

        20th Century Immigrants 
Pledging allegiance to US, while holding to their old counties traditions.

        20th Century Immigrants 

        Assimilation & allegiance to US, while holding to their old county's traditions.

        U.S. Immigration and acculturation

        2nd generation immigrants reap 

        the benefits of a free education 

        to take advantage of many 

        opportunities in American society.


        Education cures poverty

        21st Century American 

        Education cures poverty

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