The Declaration of Independence
*The Second Continental Congress charged three men with coming up with a document that officially notified Britain of the colonies separation from the crown. The three men chosen to write this proclamation were different from each other in almost every ways.
-John Adams was middle aged, very serious, and from Massachusetts, one of the northernmost colonies; he was a brilliant attorney and he was very pessimistic about most things.
-Benjamin Franklin was an old man; he was a free thinker who enjoyed the finer things in life such as wine, women, and song. Franklin was from Pennsylvania, one of the Mid-Atlantic colonies. He was an inventor, a publisher, and a diplomat. Franklin was the eternal optimist who was often accused of being a dreamer
-Thomas Jefferson was a young man, only 33 years old; he was a logical and practical thinker, an intellectual in every way. Jefferson was a man of high standards but of weak will. He was extremely shy and reserved. He was from Virginia, one of the southern colonies. Jefferson made his living as a plantation owner, and as a lawyer. He was a brilliant writer. He was a visionary!
-Franklin and Adams were extremely smart men, smart enough to know and admit that Jefferson was the smartest of the bunch. The older Franklin and Adams charged Jefferson with the duty of writing the document on his own. Jefferson was given free reign to write whatever he chose. Franklin and Adams would help him make revisions and make suggestions about what should stay in, and be left out of the document. Jefferson based his writing partly on the writings of the French philosopher Voltaire and other famous thinkers, but mostly on the works of the British philosopher John Locke.
-The Declaration of Independence was a brilliantly written document not only in a political sense but also in a literary sense. The declaration was written in three parts.
1. Jefferson basically states Locke’s theory that all men are
created equal and have the natural rights to life, liberty,
and property. He asserts that the colonists share in these
rights.
2. Jefferson goes on to present Locke’s assertion that a
government’s duty is to serve the interests of the people.
He then goes into detail, listing many of the violations the
British government was guilty of against the colonies.
3. In the final part of the declaration, Jefferson declares that
the colonies are formally separated from the British crown;
the colonies are no longer colonies, they are 13 independent
states united for the purpose of defense, and economics.
-Jefferson’s declaration is nearly perfect in presentation, style, and force. He asserts the rights of the colonies, then gives specific examples of how these rights have been violated, and then uses the examples to justify our secession from the United Kingdom and asserts that the colonies will wage a war of revolution to change the way that they were being governed.
-Jefferson’s Declaration of Independence is one of the most influential documents in the history of the world. Many groups of people throughout history have used the Declaration of Independence as justification for revolution and rebellion. The first group of people, other than the colonists, to use the document as justification for revolution were the French. The French Revolution began merely 13 years after the writing of this document; The Declaration of Independence directly inspired the French Revolution.
Thursday, September 27, 2007
Friday, September 21, 2007
September 21st
Government in the Colonies
*Between 1607 and 1733 the British established 13 colonies along the Atlantic coast of North America. Each of these colonies were formed for different reasons, for example Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, and Maryland were founded by people seeking religious freedom; Virginia, Georgia, and New York were founded by people seeking economic prosperity. Each colony was very different from the others, however they all shared a very similar form of government. Because the British government and parliament were so far away from the colonies, the colonists were forced to govern themselves. Each colony had a government that included three features:
1. Each colony had a chief executive called a governor.
2. Each colony had a colonial legislature responsible for making laws.
3. Each colony had its own court system.
-These three branches of a colonies government each had its own powers that were different and separate from the other branches. This idea of a separation of powers becomes ingrained in the political psyche of the American colonists.
-Each colony governed itself separately from the other colonies, however the British government back in England still ultimately ruled each colony.
-The first colony to design a plan for self-government was Massachusetts. The original colonists of the Massachusetts Bay Colony were called the Pilgrims; the plan of government that they designed was designed before the pilgrims ever even reached the shores of Plymouth. The plan they came up with was called the Mayflower Compact.
-The first colony to come up with a formal, written constitution was Connecticut. This first of the colonial constitutions was adopted in 1639; it gave the male citizens of Connecticut the right to vote for the colonial governor and legislature.
*Between 1607 and 1733 the British established 13 colonies along the Atlantic coast of North America. Each of these colonies were formed for different reasons, for example Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, and Maryland were founded by people seeking religious freedom; Virginia, Georgia, and New York were founded by people seeking economic prosperity. Each colony was very different from the others, however they all shared a very similar form of government. Because the British government and parliament were so far away from the colonies, the colonists were forced to govern themselves. Each colony had a government that included three features:
1. Each colony had a chief executive called a governor.
2. Each colony had a colonial legislature responsible for making laws.
3. Each colony had its own court system.
-These three branches of a colonies government each had its own powers that were different and separate from the other branches. This idea of a separation of powers becomes ingrained in the political psyche of the American colonists.
-Each colony governed itself separately from the other colonies, however the British government back in England still ultimately ruled each colony.
-The first colony to design a plan for self-government was Massachusetts. The original colonists of the Massachusetts Bay Colony were called the Pilgrims; the plan of government that they designed was designed before the pilgrims ever even reached the shores of Plymouth. The plan they came up with was called the Mayflower Compact.
-The first colony to come up with a formal, written constitution was Connecticut. This first of the colonial constitutions was adopted in 1639; it gave the male citizens of Connecticut the right to vote for the colonial governor and legislature.
Thursday, September 20, 2007
September 20th
Roots of American Government
*The roots of American government are planted firmly in the political heritage of Great Britain. When the British started colonizing America in the early 17th century they brought along with them political traditions that had existed back in Britain for hundreds of years. The following things had a profound effect on the development of the type of government we enjoy in the United States today.
-The Magna Carta: In the year 1215 the British nobility forced King John to limit his power. King John signed away some of his power and the idea of an absolute monarchy was forever dead in Britain. King John agreed to protect the nobility from himself; he gave up his power to punish the nobles indiscriminately, he also guaranteed the nobility that he would protect their lives, and property.
-Parliament: After the Magna Carta was signed King John’s position was greatly weakened; the nobles that forced him to sign the document formed a legislative body called Parliament. Parliament could propose and pass laws with the Kings consent. The British Parliament originally had only one chamber made up of the nobility called the House of Lords. Over time, the King and the nobility saw their power erode away; a second chamber was added to Parliament that was made up of common people with no ties to the nobility, this chamber came to be known as the House of Commons. Today in Britain most of the power of government lies in the hands of the House of Commons.
-The English Bill of Rights: This document was enacted in 1689 by Parliament, it created a clear code that limited the power of the King even further than the Magna Carta, and guaranteed British citizens certain rights. The English Bill of Rights has 6 main points; they are as follows:
1. Monarchs do not have divine right to rule; they rule only with the consent of a Parliament that represents the people.
2. The monarch cannot levy taxes, suspend laws, or raise and maintain a military without the direct consent of Parliament.
3. The monarch cannot interfere with acts of Parliament, parliamentary debates, or parliamentary elections.
4. The people have the right to petition the government.
5. All people have a right to have a fair and speedy trial decided by a jury of their peers.
6. The people should not be subject to cruel or unusual punishment or excessive bails.
-The Ideas of John Locke: The English political and social philosopher John Locke has influenced American government more than any other individual. In his writings, the Two Treatises on Government and Civil Disobedience, Locke theorized that government was responsible to serve the needs of the people. Locke made the following points:
-All people are born free, equal, and independent.
-All people naturally possessed the rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of property.
-Governments are created by the people to serve their needs.
-When a government stops serving the needs of the people, and when the government no longer protects the natural rights of the people, the people then have every right to change the government by any means necessary.
-Government is an agreement between the people and leaders, both parties are expected to live up to their end of the bargain.
*Some of the most famous believers and followers of Lockean theory were Thomas Jefferson, James Madison, and Benjamin Franklin. The ideas writings of John Locke are often referred to as the textbook of the American Revolution.
*The roots of American government are planted firmly in the political heritage of Great Britain. When the British started colonizing America in the early 17th century they brought along with them political traditions that had existed back in Britain for hundreds of years. The following things had a profound effect on the development of the type of government we enjoy in the United States today.
-The Magna Carta: In the year 1215 the British nobility forced King John to limit his power. King John signed away some of his power and the idea of an absolute monarchy was forever dead in Britain. King John agreed to protect the nobility from himself; he gave up his power to punish the nobles indiscriminately, he also guaranteed the nobility that he would protect their lives, and property.
-Parliament: After the Magna Carta was signed King John’s position was greatly weakened; the nobles that forced him to sign the document formed a legislative body called Parliament. Parliament could propose and pass laws with the Kings consent. The British Parliament originally had only one chamber made up of the nobility called the House of Lords. Over time, the King and the nobility saw their power erode away; a second chamber was added to Parliament that was made up of common people with no ties to the nobility, this chamber came to be known as the House of Commons. Today in Britain most of the power of government lies in the hands of the House of Commons.
-The English Bill of Rights: This document was enacted in 1689 by Parliament, it created a clear code that limited the power of the King even further than the Magna Carta, and guaranteed British citizens certain rights. The English Bill of Rights has 6 main points; they are as follows:
1. Monarchs do not have divine right to rule; they rule only with the consent of a Parliament that represents the people.
2. The monarch cannot levy taxes, suspend laws, or raise and maintain a military without the direct consent of Parliament.
3. The monarch cannot interfere with acts of Parliament, parliamentary debates, or parliamentary elections.
4. The people have the right to petition the government.
5. All people have a right to have a fair and speedy trial decided by a jury of their peers.
6. The people should not be subject to cruel or unusual punishment or excessive bails.
-The Ideas of John Locke: The English political and social philosopher John Locke has influenced American government more than any other individual. In his writings, the Two Treatises on Government and Civil Disobedience, Locke theorized that government was responsible to serve the needs of the people. Locke made the following points:
-All people are born free, equal, and independent.
-All people naturally possessed the rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of property.
-Governments are created by the people to serve their needs.
-When a government stops serving the needs of the people, and when the government no longer protects the natural rights of the people, the people then have every right to change the government by any means necessary.
-Government is an agreement between the people and leaders, both parties are expected to live up to their end of the bargain.
*Some of the most famous believers and followers of Lockean theory were Thomas Jefferson, James Madison, and Benjamin Franklin. The ideas writings of John Locke are often referred to as the textbook of the American Revolution.
Wednesday, September 19, 2007
September 19th
Economic Systems
*One of the main duties of any government is to set up an economic system for the State. Governments make many decisions that affect the economy; some of these decisions are tax rates, tariffs, minimum wages, and setting the budget for the government itself.
*In setting up an economy, governments must make three major economic decisions:
1. What and how much should be produced in the state?
2. How should goods and services be produced?
3. Who gets the goods and services that are produced?
-The way that these questions are answered will help determine the type of economic system that will exist in the state.
-There are three major types of economic systems in the world today; they are as follows:
-Capitalism: In a purely capitalist system people have complete freedom of choice in all of their economic decisions. A free market exists where people can buy and sell anything they choose. There are 5 main characteristics of pure capitalism:
1. Private ownership and control of property and economic
resources.
2. Free enterprise
3. competition between businesses and competition between
consumers.
4. Complete freedom of choice
5. The possibility of profit
-In today’s world, pure capitalism is rare and usually only exists on very small scales or in parts of the world where the governments are unstable and/or corrupt.
-In America, many people believe that the government is too involved in business and industry because there are many laws that regulate the behavior and practices of businesses. Many of these people believe in a theory developed by Adam Smith in the 18th century called laissez-faire. Laissez-faire is a French term that means hands off. People who believe in laissez-faire are true believers in pure capitalism.
-Examples of capitalist nations are of course the United States, along with Japan, Germany, and Brazil.
-Socialism: Socialism is an economic system in which the government owns the basic means of production, determines the use of most resources, distributes many of the products, determines most peoples wages, and provides social services such as welfare, education, and healthcare to the people in the State. There are three main goals of socialism:
1. Equal distribution of wealth and economic opportunity.
2. Government makes all major production decisions for the
State.
3. Public ownership of most land, factories, and means of
production.
-Many people of the world believe that socialism is a good economic system to live under. Socialism is most effective when the people of the society have political freedom to choose this economic system, and the power to choose their government. When people in a socialist economy have these freedoms they are living in what is called a democratic republic.
Examples of socialist nations are France, Great Britain, Denmark, and Norway
-Communism: The theory of economics called communism was developed by a German philosopher and outspoken socialist named Karl Marx. Marx, in two of his books, Das Kapital, and The Communist Manifesto (co-written by Frederik Engels) developed a theory that took socialism to the extreme. The goals of communism are :
1. All people should be financially equal.
2. All the wealth of the State should be distributed equally to
all the citizens.
3. Everything in the State should be owned publicly.
4. Government should make all production decisions for the
State.
-True communism has never existed on a large scale in the world. The closest example of what a communist economy should be is Cuba
Blended Economies
Most nations, including the United States, do not have pure economic systems. Most nations blend aspects of capitalism with aspects of socialism. The United States has a mostly capitalist economy, however hints of socialism can be found in all aspects of our economy. France has a mostly socialist economy, however capitalist overtones can be found in all aspects of the French economy.
*One of the main duties of any government is to set up an economic system for the State. Governments make many decisions that affect the economy; some of these decisions are tax rates, tariffs, minimum wages, and setting the budget for the government itself.
*In setting up an economy, governments must make three major economic decisions:
1. What and how much should be produced in the state?
2. How should goods and services be produced?
3. Who gets the goods and services that are produced?
-The way that these questions are answered will help determine the type of economic system that will exist in the state.
-There are three major types of economic systems in the world today; they are as follows:
-Capitalism: In a purely capitalist system people have complete freedom of choice in all of their economic decisions. A free market exists where people can buy and sell anything they choose. There are 5 main characteristics of pure capitalism:
1. Private ownership and control of property and economic
resources.
2. Free enterprise
3. competition between businesses and competition between
consumers.
4. Complete freedom of choice
5. The possibility of profit
-In today’s world, pure capitalism is rare and usually only exists on very small scales or in parts of the world where the governments are unstable and/or corrupt.
-In America, many people believe that the government is too involved in business and industry because there are many laws that regulate the behavior and practices of businesses. Many of these people believe in a theory developed by Adam Smith in the 18th century called laissez-faire. Laissez-faire is a French term that means hands off. People who believe in laissez-faire are true believers in pure capitalism.
-Examples of capitalist nations are of course the United States, along with Japan, Germany, and Brazil.
-Socialism: Socialism is an economic system in which the government owns the basic means of production, determines the use of most resources, distributes many of the products, determines most peoples wages, and provides social services such as welfare, education, and healthcare to the people in the State. There are three main goals of socialism:
1. Equal distribution of wealth and economic opportunity.
2. Government makes all major production decisions for the
State.
3. Public ownership of most land, factories, and means of
production.
-Many people of the world believe that socialism is a good economic system to live under. Socialism is most effective when the people of the society have political freedom to choose this economic system, and the power to choose their government. When people in a socialist economy have these freedoms they are living in what is called a democratic republic.
Examples of socialist nations are France, Great Britain, Denmark, and Norway
-Communism: The theory of economics called communism was developed by a German philosopher and outspoken socialist named Karl Marx. Marx, in two of his books, Das Kapital, and The Communist Manifesto (co-written by Frederik Engels) developed a theory that took socialism to the extreme. The goals of communism are :
1. All people should be financially equal.
2. All the wealth of the State should be distributed equally to
all the citizens.
3. Everything in the State should be owned publicly.
4. Government should make all production decisions for the
State.
-True communism has never existed on a large scale in the world. The closest example of what a communist economy should be is Cuba
Blended Economies
Most nations, including the United States, do not have pure economic systems. Most nations blend aspects of capitalism with aspects of socialism. The United States has a mostly capitalist economy, however hints of socialism can be found in all aspects of our economy. France has a mostly socialist economy, however capitalist overtones can be found in all aspects of the French economy.
Monday, September 17, 2007
September 17th
Different Types of Government
*There are many different ways in which States are governed in the world today; there are however only 4 major types of government in the world.
-Autocracy: An autocracy is a government in which only one person rules. There are three types of autocracies.
*Absolute Monarchy: this form of autocracy features a
government that is controlled exclusively by one person who
is of royal blood. Absolute Monarchs can be kings, queens,
princes, princesses, emperors, sultans, czars, etc. Examples
of nations with absolute monarchies are Jordan, and Monaco.
*Dictatorship: this form of autocracy features a government
that is controlled exclusively by one person who usually
seizes power from a pre-existing government. Examples of
dictators are Adolf Hitler, Saddam Hussein, and Fidel Castro.
*Theocratic Autocracy: this form of autocracy features a
government that is controlled exclusively by one person who
happens to be the highest ranking religious leader in the
State. An example of a theocratic autocracy is Vatican City
where the pope is the absolute ruler.
-Constitutional Monarchy: A constitutional monarchy is a form of government that features one ruler, such as a king or queen, whose power is limited by a constitution. In most modern constitutional monarchies the monarch has only ceremonial powers and duties and serves mostly as a figurehead. Examples of constitutional monarchies include Great Britain, the Netherlands, and Japan.
-Oligarchy: An oligarchy is a government in which a small group of people rule. These ruling people are often high ranking members of a political party, high ranking officers in the military, the wealthiest citizens of the State, high ranking religious leaders, or members of a royal family. Examples of oligarchies include China where the Communist Party rules, and Saudi Arabia where the Saud family rules.
-Democracy: A democracy is any type government in which the power of the government lies in the hands of the people. The word democracy comes from two ancient Greek words; demos meaning people, and cratia meaning rule. There are two ways that a democracy can be practiced.
*Direct Democracy: A direct democracy is a democracy that
allows all the citizens of a State to participate in every level
of government. The citizens in a direct democracy would
have an equal vote in deciding every issue in the State.
Direct democracies are extremely rare and can only exist on
very small levels.
*Representative Democracy: A representative democracy, or
a republic as it’s also called, is a type of government that
allows the citizens of a State to choose leaders to represent them in the government. The citizens choose these representatives in elections that occur on a scheduled basis. The best example of a representative democracy is the United States of America.
Key Characteristics of Democracy
*In order for a democracy to exist and be successful, four key characteristics should be present.
1. Individual Liberty
2. Majority Rule as long as minority rights are legally preserved.
3. Free Elections that take place on a scheduled basis.
4. Competing political parties that are legally allowed to have differing opinions.
*There are many different ways in which States are governed in the world today; there are however only 4 major types of government in the world.
-Autocracy: An autocracy is a government in which only one person rules. There are three types of autocracies.
*Absolute Monarchy: this form of autocracy features a
government that is controlled exclusively by one person who
is of royal blood. Absolute Monarchs can be kings, queens,
princes, princesses, emperors, sultans, czars, etc. Examples
of nations with absolute monarchies are Jordan, and Monaco.
*Dictatorship: this form of autocracy features a government
that is controlled exclusively by one person who usually
seizes power from a pre-existing government. Examples of
dictators are Adolf Hitler, Saddam Hussein, and Fidel Castro.
*Theocratic Autocracy: this form of autocracy features a
government that is controlled exclusively by one person who
happens to be the highest ranking religious leader in the
State. An example of a theocratic autocracy is Vatican City
where the pope is the absolute ruler.
-Constitutional Monarchy: A constitutional monarchy is a form of government that features one ruler, such as a king or queen, whose power is limited by a constitution. In most modern constitutional monarchies the monarch has only ceremonial powers and duties and serves mostly as a figurehead. Examples of constitutional monarchies include Great Britain, the Netherlands, and Japan.
-Oligarchy: An oligarchy is a government in which a small group of people rule. These ruling people are often high ranking members of a political party, high ranking officers in the military, the wealthiest citizens of the State, high ranking religious leaders, or members of a royal family. Examples of oligarchies include China where the Communist Party rules, and Saudi Arabia where the Saud family rules.
-Democracy: A democracy is any type government in which the power of the government lies in the hands of the people. The word democracy comes from two ancient Greek words; demos meaning people, and cratia meaning rule. There are two ways that a democracy can be practiced.
*Direct Democracy: A direct democracy is a democracy that
allows all the citizens of a State to participate in every level
of government. The citizens in a direct democracy would
have an equal vote in deciding every issue in the State.
Direct democracies are extremely rare and can only exist on
very small levels.
*Representative Democracy: A representative democracy, or
a republic as it’s also called, is a type of government that
allows the citizens of a State to choose leaders to represent them in the government. The citizens choose these representatives in elections that occur on a scheduled basis. The best example of a representative democracy is the United States of America.
Key Characteristics of Democracy
*In order for a democracy to exist and be successful, four key characteristics should be present.
1. Individual Liberty
2. Majority Rule as long as minority rights are legally preserved.
3. Free Elections that take place on a scheduled basis.
4. Competing political parties that are legally allowed to have differing opinions.
Friday, September 14, 2007
Journal 1
Watch this video http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/20753969/ and answer the following questions in your journal.
-What is your overall impression of the President’s speech?
-Do you believe and/or trust the President at this point in his tenure in office? Explain why or why not.
-What is your personal opinion of what should be done with the whole Iraq situation? Explain.
-What is your overall impression of the President’s speech?
-Do you believe and/or trust the President at this point in his tenure in office? Explain why or why not.
-What is your personal opinion of what should be done with the whole Iraq situation? Explain.
Thursday, September 13, 2007
9/13/07
Purposes of Government
-Governments are in place to serve the State. There are 4 major purposes for having government. They are as follows:
1. To maintain social order: Governments make and enforce laws mainly for the purpose of creating a safe and livable society that runs smoothly.
2. To provide public services: Governments provide the people with many public services that they are unable to provide for themselves. Some of these services include trash pick up, water and sewage services, providing people with health services, etc.
3. To provide national security: Governments have the duty to do their best to protect the people against the threat of attack by other States. Governments raise and maintain military forces in order to carry out this task.
4. To make economic decisions: Governments pass the laws that provide and control the economic environment for the nation. They make decisions that define the financial goals of the State and the methods used to attain them.
Politics
*The effort to control or influence the conduct and policies of government is called politics. The 4 purposes of government are listed above; the way these purposes are fulfilled is through politics. Anyone who actively tries to control or influence the conduct and policies of government is engaged in politics. A person who makes a career out of politics is called a politician.
*When a state is forming, politics plays an essential role in determining what form and type of government and economy the State will feature.
*Once a State is formed, politics plays a role in determining almost all of the major decisions the government of a State makes. Ways that laws are proposed, passed, and enforced are all determined by politics. Politics determines who our leaders are, and our leaders are not. Government and politics are not the same thing; however one could not, in practice, exist without the other.
Constitutions
*A constitution is a plan that provides the rules for government. A constitution serves several major purposes:
1. They outline ideals that the people bound by the constitution believe in and share.
2. They establish the basic structure of government and define the governments powers and duties.
3. They provide the supreme law for the country and provide the rules that shape the actions of government and politics.
*Every State’s constitution is different in its form and in the way that it is written. Most constitutions provide three things:
1. A statement of goals: Many constitutions state the reasons for why the constitution is being written and applied to the State. The US constitution has a statement of goals at the very beginning of the constitution called the Preamble.
2. A framework for government: Constitutions usually always establish the form and type of government that will be used in the State. Many constitutions also list the rights of the citizens, and some provide most of the laws that govern the State.
3. The Highest Law: A constitutions usually establishes within itself that it is the highest law that governs the State. Some constitutions define whether they can be changed, or not, and how.
*The oldest written constitution in the world is that of the United States of America.
-Governments are in place to serve the State. There are 4 major purposes for having government. They are as follows:
1. To maintain social order: Governments make and enforce laws mainly for the purpose of creating a safe and livable society that runs smoothly.
2. To provide public services: Governments provide the people with many public services that they are unable to provide for themselves. Some of these services include trash pick up, water and sewage services, providing people with health services, etc.
3. To provide national security: Governments have the duty to do their best to protect the people against the threat of attack by other States. Governments raise and maintain military forces in order to carry out this task.
4. To make economic decisions: Governments pass the laws that provide and control the economic environment for the nation. They make decisions that define the financial goals of the State and the methods used to attain them.
Politics
*The effort to control or influence the conduct and policies of government is called politics. The 4 purposes of government are listed above; the way these purposes are fulfilled is through politics. Anyone who actively tries to control or influence the conduct and policies of government is engaged in politics. A person who makes a career out of politics is called a politician.
*When a state is forming, politics plays an essential role in determining what form and type of government and economy the State will feature.
*Once a State is formed, politics plays a role in determining almost all of the major decisions the government of a State makes. Ways that laws are proposed, passed, and enforced are all determined by politics. Politics determines who our leaders are, and our leaders are not. Government and politics are not the same thing; however one could not, in practice, exist without the other.
Constitutions
*A constitution is a plan that provides the rules for government. A constitution serves several major purposes:
1. They outline ideals that the people bound by the constitution believe in and share.
2. They establish the basic structure of government and define the governments powers and duties.
3. They provide the supreme law for the country and provide the rules that shape the actions of government and politics.
*Every State’s constitution is different in its form and in the way that it is written. Most constitutions provide three things:
1. A statement of goals: Many constitutions state the reasons for why the constitution is being written and applied to the State. The US constitution has a statement of goals at the very beginning of the constitution called the Preamble.
2. A framework for government: Constitutions usually always establish the form and type of government that will be used in the State. Many constitutions also list the rights of the citizens, and some provide most of the laws that govern the State.
3. The Highest Law: A constitutions usually establishes within itself that it is the highest law that governs the State. Some constitutions define whether they can be changed, or not, and how.
*The oldest written constitution in the world is that of the United States of America.
Monday, September 10, 2007
9/11/07
*Government: the institution through which the State maintains social order, provides public services, and enforces decisions that are binding on all people living in the State.
-State: A political community that occupies a definite territory and has an organized government with power to make and enforce laws without approval from any higher authority. In order for a State to exist there must be 4 essential features present:
Population: The most obvious and essential feature for a State to exist is people.
Territory: In order for a State to exist there must be defined boundaries in which the population lives.
Sovereignty: The key characteristic of a State is sovereignty. Political sovereignty means that a state has supreme and absolute powers within its boundaries. A sovereign state has complete independence and is in no way governed by any other states government.
Government: Every State has some form of law making institution that has authority to in some way rule.
*Every State is a nation and every State is a country, however not every nation or country qualifies as a State.
-Nation: Any sizeable group of people who are usually united by common bonds of race, language, custom, tradition, and sometimes religion. Nations are often States; examples of this are the United States, France, Israel, and China. Sometimes nations do not qualify as States because they are missing one or more of the 4 essential features that must be present for a State to exist. Examples of nations that are not States are Puerto Rico, Native American tribal nations such as the Cherokee nation, and the nation of Islam.
-Country: The word country is often an alternative for the word State. Most of the time a country is the same thing as a State however there are exceptions. The most notable exception to this rule is Great Britain. The State of Great Britain is made up of 4 distinct countries: England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.
Forms of Government
*There are many different types of government in the world today. There is however three major forms of government.
-Unitary System: All the key powers of the government are given to a national or central authority. This unitary authority makes most of the laws for the entire state, giving localities within the state little or no power to govern themselves. Examples are France, Italy, and China.
-Federal System: The powers of the government are divided between a central or national government and the governments of provinces, states, districts, cantons, and/or local areas such as cities and towns. In a federal system ultimate authority lies within the central or national government, however many major decisions and even laws are made in the provinces, states, districts, cities and towns. Examples are the United States, Canada, Mexico, and Germany.
-Confederate System: The powers of government are divided between a central or national government and the governments of countries, provinces, states, districts, cantons, and/or local areas such as cities and towns. In a confederate system, ultimate authority lies within countries, provinces, states, districts, cantons, and/or local areas such as cities and towns. The central government in a confederate system is usually weak and only serves as a tool to help the local governments cooperate. Examples are Switzerland, and the European Union.
-State: A political community that occupies a definite territory and has an organized government with power to make and enforce laws without approval from any higher authority. In order for a State to exist there must be 4 essential features present:
Population: The most obvious and essential feature for a State to exist is people.
Territory: In order for a State to exist there must be defined boundaries in which the population lives.
Sovereignty: The key characteristic of a State is sovereignty. Political sovereignty means that a state has supreme and absolute powers within its boundaries. A sovereign state has complete independence and is in no way governed by any other states government.
Government: Every State has some form of law making institution that has authority to in some way rule.
*Every State is a nation and every State is a country, however not every nation or country qualifies as a State.
-Nation: Any sizeable group of people who are usually united by common bonds of race, language, custom, tradition, and sometimes religion. Nations are often States; examples of this are the United States, France, Israel, and China. Sometimes nations do not qualify as States because they are missing one or more of the 4 essential features that must be present for a State to exist. Examples of nations that are not States are Puerto Rico, Native American tribal nations such as the Cherokee nation, and the nation of Islam.
-Country: The word country is often an alternative for the word State. Most of the time a country is the same thing as a State however there are exceptions. The most notable exception to this rule is Great Britain. The State of Great Britain is made up of 4 distinct countries: England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.
Forms of Government
*There are many different types of government in the world today. There is however three major forms of government.
-Unitary System: All the key powers of the government are given to a national or central authority. This unitary authority makes most of the laws for the entire state, giving localities within the state little or no power to govern themselves. Examples are France, Italy, and China.
-Federal System: The powers of the government are divided between a central or national government and the governments of provinces, states, districts, cantons, and/or local areas such as cities and towns. In a federal system ultimate authority lies within the central or national government, however many major decisions and even laws are made in the provinces, states, districts, cities and towns. Examples are the United States, Canada, Mexico, and Germany.
-Confederate System: The powers of government are divided between a central or national government and the governments of countries, provinces, states, districts, cantons, and/or local areas such as cities and towns. In a confederate system, ultimate authority lies within countries, provinces, states, districts, cantons, and/or local areas such as cities and towns. The central government in a confederate system is usually weak and only serves as a tool to help the local governments cooperate. Examples are Switzerland, and the European Union.
Tuesday, September 4, 2007
Syllabus
US Government & Economics
Archbishop Ryan High School
Mr. Finnegan
2007-2008 Syllabus
US Government
During the first semester we will be studying the Government of the United States of America. We will focus on: the Declaration of Independence, the Articles of Confederation, the legislative branch of government and the legislative process, the executive branch of government and the Presidency, the judicial branch of the government with emphasis on the Supreme Court and the American justice system, political parties, state and local government, citizenship, and American and global current events. We will also intensely study the full Constitution of The United States of America.
Economics
During the second semester we will be studying Applied Economics. We will focus on the laws of supply and demand, capitalism in America, making and maintaining a personal budget, and entrepreneurship. The class will also create, finance, maintain, market, and staff a student run business.
*Course Requirements: All students are expected to have the following: A two-subject notebook, one section for notes, and one section for journal entries; an e-mail address; Students will not be required to bring textbooks to class everyday, you will be told when to bring your textbooks and you are required to have them when told to bring them. All students are expected to follow the rules and regulations that are outlined in the Archbishop Ryan Student handbook. When I am talking in class no one else is to be talking at any time for any reason. When another student is called on and is talking to the class, no other student is to be talking for any reason.
*Notes: This year I will give notes two ways: in class with a projector; and posted on a web page that I will maintain throughout the year. Notes will be posted online after they are given in class, Please be aware that some of the notes that are given in class will not be available online, and that at the end of each quarter there will be an open notebook test in which only handwritten notes will be allowed to be used; no print-outs of my online notes will be permitted for the open notebook test. It is important to maintain a written notebook for these reasons. The website where you can find my notes is: http://finngov2007-08.blogspot.com/.
*Contact: The best way for you or your parents to communicate with me throughout the school year is through e-mail. My e-mail address is finngov@yahoo.com.
*Grading: Your quarterly grade will be calculated based upon the following formula:
Tests: 50%
Project: 20 %
Assessment: 20%
Journal: 10%
*This grading formula is subject to change, but will be the formula for most quarters.
Archbishop Ryan High School
Mr. Finnegan
2007-2008 Syllabus
US Government
During the first semester we will be studying the Government of the United States of America. We will focus on: the Declaration of Independence, the Articles of Confederation, the legislative branch of government and the legislative process, the executive branch of government and the Presidency, the judicial branch of the government with emphasis on the Supreme Court and the American justice system, political parties, state and local government, citizenship, and American and global current events. We will also intensely study the full Constitution of The United States of America.
Economics
During the second semester we will be studying Applied Economics. We will focus on the laws of supply and demand, capitalism in America, making and maintaining a personal budget, and entrepreneurship. The class will also create, finance, maintain, market, and staff a student run business.
*Course Requirements: All students are expected to have the following: A two-subject notebook, one section for notes, and one section for journal entries; an e-mail address; Students will not be required to bring textbooks to class everyday, you will be told when to bring your textbooks and you are required to have them when told to bring them. All students are expected to follow the rules and regulations that are outlined in the Archbishop Ryan Student handbook. When I am talking in class no one else is to be talking at any time for any reason. When another student is called on and is talking to the class, no other student is to be talking for any reason.
*Notes: This year I will give notes two ways: in class with a projector; and posted on a web page that I will maintain throughout the year. Notes will be posted online after they are given in class, Please be aware that some of the notes that are given in class will not be available online, and that at the end of each quarter there will be an open notebook test in which only handwritten notes will be allowed to be used; no print-outs of my online notes will be permitted for the open notebook test. It is important to maintain a written notebook for these reasons. The website where you can find my notes is: http://finngov2007-08.blogspot.com/.
*Contact: The best way for you or your parents to communicate with me throughout the school year is through e-mail. My e-mail address is finngov@yahoo.com.
*Grading: Your quarterly grade will be calculated based upon the following formula:
Tests: 50%
Project: 20 %
Assessment: 20%
Journal: 10%
*This grading formula is subject to change, but will be the formula for most quarters.
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