Notes

We the People Lesson 5 notes

Government

• In lesson 1 we learned that a government is the people and institutions with the POWER to make, enforce and manage conflicts about law.

• In lesson 2 we learned that the main purpose of government is to protect the natural rights of citizens.

Constitutional government

• In lesson 3 we learned the difference between a direct democracy and a republican government.

• And in lesson 4 we learned how a constitutional government is a government with limited power.

• A constitution –provides a framework for organizing government. It is a set of rules and laws that tells the government what it can and cannot do.

How can we organize government to prevent the abuse of power?

• Constitutional governments are organized in such a way that one person or group cannot get enough power to dominate the government.

• Power is divided, or separated, into 3 branches.

Separation of Powers –government power is divided so one branch cannot dominate another

• Legislative branch has the power to make laws (congress)

• Executive branch has the power to enforce laws (President)

• Judicial branch has the power to manage conflicts about law

• The constitution provides checks and balances so that each branch can make sure the other branches of government are following the law and working for the people.

Past links

Obama cartoon

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MRGLcW24mUg

tragedy of Antigone

http://vimeo.com/2556807

Press about SMMS students!

http://blogs.mcall.com/valley610/2011/11/south-mountain-middle-schooler-aims-for-ivy-league.html

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oUIeJEgu-Rs

BP:southmountain school056

FC:betarm Southmountain

Rethink Afghanistan

Chocolate

Cocoa slavery

Guitar club lesson

http://www.goliathguitartutorials.com/Sungha_Jung.html

SMMS swimteam