US Government

Module 1 Study Guide

1.01 Natural Rights
What is government? Why does government exist?
Government exists to protect our basic rights and to provide order and safety to its citizens
The purpose of government is to keep the peace within its territory, protect its citizens, provide important
services, and maintain public institutions.
Laws are rules established by government or other sources of authority to regulate people's conduct or
activities (US Constitution)
Citizens agree to follow the law because they protect the common good and our rights.
Citizen duty to follow the law and not even the president is above the law. Citizens can challenge the law
through the court system.
Citizen consent to laws, and upholding the rule of law affirms the legitimacy of government.

Anarchy- an absence or lack of any formal system of government or control

Authority- the right to command, or the holder of official power
Public policy-a course of action accepted or used by a government to respond to a problem
Institutions- an established organization that is influential in the community
Infrastructure- the basic physical systems of a community's people, including roads, electric power, and
water supply
US Constitution-the plan detailing the structure, functions, and powers of the government of the United
States, also known as the Constitution
Rule of law-the principle that both those who govern and those who are governed must obey the law and
are subject to the same laws
Legitimacy- lawful and complying with recognized rules, standards, or traditions
Natural rights-rights that people are born with and that no government can take away
Enlightenment-a time of change in Europe in the 17th and 18th centuries when philosophers focused on
reason as a way to solve problems

Social contract-the idea that people agree, or consent, to government authority and in return the
government protects the people and their rights
Representative government-a form of government where the people elect leaders to make decisions on
their behalf, sometimes called a republic
Limited government- The founders of the United States wanted to prevent a government growing too
large, where it would become unrestrained and infringe on people's rights. They believed it should be as
small as possible and its powers limited to certain functions, any protection, or service that affected the
nation as a whole.
Federalism-the division of powers among local, state, and national governments
Separation of powers- the division of government powers into legislative, executive, and judicial
branches
What does the government do for you?
Construction and highway maintenance

Public parks

Schools and public education

Public recreation areas

Protection domestic and abroad (ex: firefighters,

police, and military)

Public transportation
Medicare/Medicaid

Border security
Social Security
Post office
Food stamps and public assistance program
Public library

1.02 What is citizenship?

Citizenship describes both the legal status of a person in society as well as a persons actions as a
citizen. There are two types of natural born citizens (jus soli or jus sanguinis). Those who reside within
the US and wish to become legal citizens go through the naturalization process to do so.

Jus soli- a citizen born on US soil

Jus sanguinis- law of blood- born to a least one parent who is a US citizen
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14 Amendment- defines citizenship as a person either born or naturalized in the US. Citizens are due
certain protections and privileges under the law that no state government may take away.
Naturalization- the legal process for nonnative residents to become U.S. citizens

Article 1, Section 8 of the US Constitution- the Congress shall have Power To ... establish an uniform
Rule of Naturalization ... And To make all Laws which shall be necessary and proper for carrying into
Execution the foregoing Powers.
US Immigration and Naturalization Act of 1952- a collection of laws that define the process of
naturalization. Prior to this act, laws regarding naturalization were not organized in one location as they
are now.
Deportation-to force a foreign national to leave a country
Green card-a government identification card giving legal permission to an immigrant to live and work in
the United States permanently
Visa- special permission granted within a passport which permits entry into and travel within a particular
country for a specified period of time
Basic requirements of the naturalization process:

must be 18 years of age or older

must be a legal, permanent U.S. resident for at least five years (or three years if married to
someone who has been a U.S. citizen for at least three years)
must have good moral character (no serious criminal record in the United States or home
country)
must be able to read, write, and speak basic English, proven through a written exam
must be able to answer questions about U.S. government and history
must be willing to swear the Oath of Allegiance

Steps of naturalization process:

1. Application

2. Fingerprints

3. Interview

4. Oath of
Loyalty

Benefits of legal citizenship

Eligible to vote
Government jobs
Public benefits
US passport for travel
can bring relatives over
Civic Participation

1.03 Citizens in Action

Civic duty- (required by law) an action required of those who are citizens in this country
Examples

Obey laws
Pay taxes
Defend the nation (if drafted)
Jury duty
School

Citizen responsibility- (voluntary) an action, such as volunteering, which makes a community a better
place to live
Examples

Vote
Support the troops
Participate in government
Volunteer and help others in the community
Respect US leaders and symbols
Protect rights

Module 1 Review Video