Civic+Life,+Politics,+&+Government

Introduction
What does one mean by the word “government?” What first comes to mind might be the United States Capitol in Washington D.C., your state capitol, or even your local city hall. Others may interpret government as being the elected officials (president, congressmen and congresswomen, state representatives, mayors, and council members) that represent it. Many others see law enforcement officers and the rules and regulations they enforce as being government. Finally, some may view government as being the closest authority over them—school officials and the rules they must enforce. Read the following statement and start a Google document, title it "Intro to Government" and share it with Carrie. In this document, write an essay analyzing the role of government. Remember to not just type the question and an answer. You must write in paragraph form, analyzing the statement, making sure to cover the five questions in your analysis.

**“TO BE FREE, ONE MUST BE CHAINED”**
 * 1) What does this statement mean to you?
 * 2) Wouldn't it be possible for all Americans to live as they choose with total freedom and without a government establishing limits on our individual freedoms? Do we, as a society really need rules and regulations to enforce cooperation among individuals?
 * 3) What are the foundations of our American government? What beliefs do we hold on to or are important to us? Analyze the pros and cons of those beliefs.
 * 4) How do you play a role in the American government? What are your duties and responsibilities as a citizen of the US?
 * 5) Is there such thing as a perfect society, where everyone can get along in perfect union? Why or why not?

Does the government impact the individual?
Using the same Google Document from your previous activity and below your essay, brainstorm as many activities as you can (at least 15) that the government //**does not play a role**// and list them below your essay. Once you have completed your list, discuss it with Carrie. After your discussion, go back over your list and analyze whether or not the government truly has an impact on each activity you listed previously. Please write your analysis below your list, using the following questions as a guide. Again, please write in paragraph form, not question and answer.
 * 1) How does this realization make you feel: good, bad, indifferent, scared, nervous? Why?
 * 2) What is the one thing the government does not have any control over, but still plays a role as regulator?
 * 3) Does it change your perception of laws/rules? Why or why not?
 * 4) Does this realization change your perception of a government class? Should people be required to learn about their government? Why or why not?

** Politics **
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Politics is defined as the activities associated with the governance of a country or other area, esp. the debate or conflict among individuals or parties having or hoping to achieve power. One of the greatest expectations of our government is our right to question our government. We are allowed to take sides and form opinions of what the government legalizes, what the government controls, and what the government gets involved in. These opinions, when voiced publicly begin to form issues that politicians support and form the basis of their office. In this section, you will pick five issues that are important in present government. You will research these issues and form your own opinions. Make sure to find out both sides of the argument, which side political parties/politicians agree with, what is the current legislation on the issue and then, what side do you agree with. Use this form to save your research. You must make a copy of the form and save it in your google drive to begin editing. Be sure to share the form with Carrie when you finish. Once you have completed your research, make a movie using @http://www.goanimate.com or @http://animoto.com. If you prefer a more presentation style, you can use @http://www.prezi.com.


 * Abortion
 * Legalization of Marijuana
 * Government control of Healthcare
 * Death Penalty
 * Animal Rights
 * Education
 * Gay Rights
 * Gun Control
 * Copyright Control
 * Religion and Morality
 * Environment
 * Race Relations
 * Stem Cell Research
 * Budget and Economy
 * Crime
 * Energy and Oil
 * Foreign Policy
 * Free Trade
 * Homeland Security
 * War in Iraq
 * Terrorism
 * Immigration
 * Tax Reform
 * Welfare and Poverty

Political Parties
When thinking of government, most people first think about what political party they are affiliated with. They are ingrained into every position in our government. However, political parties are not even mentioned in the Constitution. Even when ending his term as president, George Washington warned us against forming political parties. He believed they would only divide the country and not allow the Constitution to function in an orderly manner. Using the provided websites, learn about the history of political parties in the United States. Pick five current and five historical political parties to learn more about. Use this form to complete your research and analysis of political parties. Be sure to share the form with Carrie when it is completed. Political spectrum


 * List of Political Parties in America
 * Political Parties in the United States
 * Roles of Political Parties

Interest Groups and Political Action Committees
Interest groups attempt to influence the formation of public policy through access to government officials. Just like political parties, interest groups were not given power through the Constitution. They formed out of the people’s need for getting special goals accomplished. Choose one PAC from the following list to research. What are their goals? How do they propose meeting their goals? What are they currently doing to meet their goals? Is it a successful? Then start a new Google Doc and write a persuasive paper, convincing people to join and/or donate to your chosen PAC. Once you have completed share it with Carrie.


 * American Association of Retired Persons (AARP)
 * Sierra Club
 * National Assoication of Manufacturers (NAM)
 * AFL-CLO
 * The Committee on Political Education (COPE)
 * International Brotherhoold of Teamsters
 * American Farm Bureau Federation
 * National Farmers’ Union (NFU)
 * Patrons of Husbandry, Grange
 * American Bar Association (ABA)
 * American Medical Association (AMA)
 * National Wildlife Federation
 * Friends of the Earth
 * Environmental Action, Inc.
 * Public Citizen, Inc.
 * Common Cause
 * National Conference of State Legislators
 * National Governors’ Association
 * National Association of Counties
 * Council of State Governments
 * National League of Cities
 * Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals
 * National Abortion Rights Action League
 * National Right to Life Committee
 * National Council of Churches
 * B’nai B’rith Anti-Defamation League
 * National Catholic Welfare Council
 * National Association of Evangelicals
 * American Civil Liberties Union
 * National Organization for Women (NOW)
 * National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP)