our government in action essential question how do government and civic responsibility affect the...
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Our Government in Action
Essential QuestionHow do government and civic responsibility affect the way we live?
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Levels of Government• After the United States became a new
country, we had to organize a new government.
• Men from each of the 13 states met to discuss what kind of government we should have.
• These men wanted a government that would be strong enough to hold the country together.
• The new government was divided into three levels: national, state, and local government.
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The U.S. Constitution• The U.S. Constitution is the plan of
government the Founding Father’s developed.
• The Constitution specifically states that the power to rule the nation comes from the people.
• Our government is described as a democratic republic because the power to govern comes from the people through elected representatives.
• American lives have changed tremendously since the U.S. Constitution was written and signed, but it still remains a source of pride and the basis of a government for a free people.
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The Bill of Rights• The Bill of Rights was added to the
Constitution because people worried their rights wouldn’t be protected.
• The Bill of Rights includes 10 amendments. Each amendment covers a specific right we have as citizens of the United States.
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Separation of Powers• Our government separates power among three
branches of government: executive, legislative, and judicial.
• Each branch has its own responsibilities. This system is called checks and balances. It makes sure no single branch becomes too powerful.
• The legislative branch has two houses: the Senate, and the House of Representatives.
• Each state has two representatives in the Senate, but the number of people elected to the House of Representatives depends on the population of the state.
• The executive branch is headed by the president. • The judicial branch is responsible for the
administration of justice. The U.S. Supreme Court is the highest court in the land.
• Many people belong to a particular political party. These parties work to get members of their party elected to office.
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Washington’s Government• The 10th Amendment gives certain powers
to the states and the people.• All states have their own constitution. • Our state government has the same three
branches as the federal government, except our state government branches make decisions on a state level instead of a national level.
• Our state legislature is set up just like the U.S. Congress. There is a state senate and a state house of representatives.
• The legislature works in committees. These committees review proposed laws before they are sent to the house or senate for a vote.
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How a Law Is Made• There are multiple steps involved in the
process of making a bill a law. • The bill is proposed and drafted. It then
goes to a committee. If it is approved, the bill moves to a hearing where the committee can make amendments to the bill or let it die.
• If the bill is sent on, legislators discuss the bill and vote on it. If the bill is passed, it is reviewed again and the senate and the house each have a final vote.
• If both houses accept the bill, it is sent to the governor to review it. At this stage, the governor can either pass or veto the bill.
• If the bill is vetoed, the legislature can cancel the veto by having two-thirds of both houses agree to pass the bill.
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The Executive Branch• The state executive branch is headed by
the governor. The governor has many powers and duties.
• Our governor has the unique power to veto an entire bill or veto single sections of a bill. This is a power the president of the United States does not have.
• There are many people besides the governor that work within the state’s executive branch.
• These elected officials help keep the executive branch running smoothly and properly.
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The Judicial Branch• The highest court in Washington is the state
supreme court. It contains nine judges.• The judicial branch determines the meaning
of our laws. • Washington’s court system also contains
courts below the state supreme court.
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Local Governments• As citizens of Washington, we are also
governed by local governments. • Local governments oversee counties, cities,
and towns. • There are 39 counties in Washington. Three
county commissioners run each county. • There are 270 municipal governments
meaning they each manage a city or town. • A municipality is governed by either a
mayor and city council, city manager and city council, or commissioners.
• City governments provide services to people living in their city.
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Indian Sovereignty• Indian tribes in Washington have freedom
from outside control, also known as Indian sovereignty.
• Tribal governments are separate from state and local governments.
• They meet in tribal councils to make their own laws.
• Their tribal councils are made up of representatives. They make laws and policies for the whole reservation.
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Government Services• The government provides many
services we enjoy as citizens of the United States.
• Public schools are a government service paid for by tax dollars. Private schools are paid for by the parents of each student.
• Since taxes pay for public education, the state legislature is able to require certain things from the public school districts.
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Tax Policy• People pay taxes so the government has
money to pay for services it provides. • Although Washington residents do not pay a
state income tax like everyone else in the United States, they do pay a federal income tax.
• Instead of an income tax, people in Washington pay taxes on homes and land, retail sales, public utilities, tobacco, and alcohol.
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Our Civic Duties• Civic duties are the responsibilities we have
as citizens. • Voting, volunteering, obeying the laws, and
respecting people’s rights are examples of exercising our civic duties.
• Voting is both a responsibility and a privilege we have as citizens.
• At the age of 18 you can register to vote and are given a place to vote on election day. On election day, you vote using a private ballot in a private booth.
• There are many ways to get involved in the government before you are 18.
• Volunteering is a great way to get involved and serve your state or local community.