Civics Unit 2 Study Guide

Key Vocabulary Definitions

• Founding Principles: Core ideas underpinning the creation of American democracy, including liberty, equality, and justice.
• Creator-endowed inalienable rights: Rights believed to be inherent to all people, not granted by government; include life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.
• Structure of government: Framework that establishes the organization and functioning of government, typically including branches, roles, and responsibilities.
• Separation of powers: Division of government responsibilities into distinct branches (legislative, executive, and judicial) to prevent concentration of power.
• Checks and balances: System allowing each branch to monitor and limit the actions of the others, maintaining a balance of power.
• Representative government: A political system where elected officials represent the interests of the populace.
• Rule of Law: Principle that law applies equally to all individuals, ensuring accountability and protecting rights.
• Equal Justice under the law: Ensures that all individuals are treated equally in legal matters, promoting fairness.
• Private property rights: Legal rights allowing individuals to own, use, and dispose of property without interference.
• Federalism: System of governance where power is divided between a national government and various state governments.
• Due process: Legal principle guaranteeing fair treatment and procedure in judicial processes.
• Bill of Rights: First ten amendments to the US Constitution, guaranteeing individual freedoms and rights.
• Magna Carta: Historic document from 1215 limiting the powers of the monarchy and establishing certain legal rights.
• Iroquois Confederacy: A powerful alliance of Native American tribes in the Northeast, influencing democratic practices in the US.
• Mayflower Compact: Agreement made by Pilgrims in 1620 establishing self-governance in Plymouth Colony.
• Articles of Confederation: First governing document of the US, created a loose alliance among states but proved ineffective.
• Declaration of Independence: 1776 document declaring the colonies' independence from Great Britain and outlining philosophical justifications.
• United States Constitution: Fundamental legal document establishing the framework of the US government, ratified in 1788.
• NC Constitution: The governing document of North Carolina, outlining state-specific laws and government structure.
• Supreme Court decisions: Judicial rulings made by the US Supreme Court that interpret the Constitution and set legal precedents.
• Individual rights: Basic freedoms and rights guaranteed to individuals, primarily found in the Bill of Rights.

Translation and Meaning

• "E pluribus unum" translates to "Out of many, one," symbolizing the unity of the states forming a single nation.

American Citizenship

• American citizens are those born in the US or naturalized, as defined by the 14th Amendment.

Naturalization Process

• Procedure by which a foreign national becomes a US citizen, typically involving application, interview, and citizenship oath.

Expatriation and Denaturalization

• Expatriation: The voluntary renunciation of one's citizenship.
• Denaturalization: The legal process of revoking a person's citizenship, usually due to criminal activity or immigration fraud.

Functions and Levels of Government

• Four government functions: protection of rights, maintenance of order, provision of public services, and economic management.
• Three levels of government: federal, state, and local.

Types of Democratic Governments

• Varieties include direct democracy, representative democracy, and constitutional democracy, each with varying degrees of citizen participation.

Principles of American Democracy

• Key principles include individual rights, popular sovereignty, limited government, checks and balances, separation of powers, and federalism.

Duties and Responsibilities of Citizens

• Duties include adhering to laws, paying taxes, serving on juries, and voting; responsibilities involve civic engagement and informed participation.

Historical Significance

• Savannah, Georgia in the 1700s: It became a strategic port and a buffer against Spanish Florida, contributing to colonial expansion.
• Virginia House of Burgesses: First elected legislative assembly in the American colonies, representing the foundation of self-government.
• Mayflower Compact: Signed by Pilgrims in 1620 aboard the Mayflower, establishing a framework for governance in the New World.
• Albany Plan of Union: Proposed 1754 plan by Benjamin Franklin for a unified colonial government; set a precedent for later unity.

Economic Theory and Conflict

• Mercantilism: Economic policy emphasizing government control of trade to maximize national wealth.
• French and Indian War: 1754-1763 conflict pitting British colonies against France and its Native allies, leading to British dominance in North America.
• Treaty of Paris: 1763 agreement ending the French and Indian War; ceded North American territories to Britain.
• Proclamation of 1763: British policy prohibiting colonial expansion west of the Appalachian Mountains, leading to colonial discontent.
• Stamp Act, Sugar Act, Quartering Act: British legislation imposing taxes and requiring housing for soldiers; all met with colonial protest.

Revolutionary War Events

• Boston Massacre (1770): Confrontation resulting in the death of five colonists, heightening anti-British sentiments.
• Significance of the Boston Tea Party: 1773 protest against British taxation leading to harsher laws and unity among colonies.
• 1st and 2nd Continental Congress: Meetings of colonial representatives addressing grievances; the latter led to the Declaration of Independence and governance strategies.
• “Shot Heard 'Round the World”: Represents the opening battle of Lexington and Concord; marks the start of the Revolutionary War.

Influential Figures

• Thomas Paine: Political writer known for "Common Sense," advocating independence from Britain.
• Declaration of Independence: Severing ties with Britain, it outlines grievances against King George III and asserts natural rights.

Loyalists vs. Patriots

• Loyalists: Colonists siding with Britain, often retaining ties to the Crown.
• Patriots: Colonists advocating for independence, promoting revolutionary ideals.

Revolutionary War Advantages and Disadvantages

• US advantages: Knowledge of the land, motivation for independence, and help from foreign allies.
• US disadvantages: Lack of funds, military experience, and established government.
• Great Britain advantages: Strongest navy, greater resources, and professional army.
• Great Britain disadvantages: Overextended supply lines and underestimating colonial resolve.

Key Battles and Treaties

• Battle of Saratoga (1777): Turning point that secured French support for the American cause; key to US victory.
• Treaty of Paris (1783): Agreement ending the Revolutionary War, recognizing US independence and territorial rights.

Establishment of US Government

• US Constitution: Framework for national government; embodies principles of democracy and law.
• Principles: Popular sovereignty, limited government, separation of powers, and federalism are foundational.
• Checks and Balances: Ensure no branch of government becomes too powerful.

Constitutional Origins

• Authors of the Constitution: Primarily drafted by James Madison and influenced by Enlightenment thinkers.
• Articles of Confederation: First governing document; lacked effective federal authority and led to economic disarray.
• Problems of AoC: Weak central government, inability to regulate commerce or levy taxes, leading to calls for a new constitution.
• Constitution drafting: Convened in 1787 in Philadelphia to address the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation.

Test your knowledge on the key concepts of Civics Unit 2. This quiz covers essential vocabulary including founding principles, separation of powers, and the rule of law. Prepare to demonstrate your understanding of the fundamental structures of government and the rights of the people.