Civics Ch. 1 Study Guide

  1. Civics is the study of the rights and duties of citizens.
  2. Public policy is a course of government action to achieve community goals.
  3. A government controlled by one person or a small group of people is a dictatorship.
  4. Naturalization is the process by which aliens can become citizens.
  5. The Immigration Act of 1990 benefits people with money or particular skills and talents.
  6. The Declaration of Intention is the first step to gaining American citizenship.
  7. Between 1830 and 1930, the population of the U.S. increased from 12 million people to 120 million people.
  8. As American, we show our patriotism, or love for our country, by flying the flag.
  9. Local government is the level of government closest to Americans.
  10. Unlike citizens, aliens may not vote in elections.
  11. American citizens who live abroad are considered citizens of the U.S.
  12. A government is the ruling authority for a community.
  13. A budget is a plan for collecting and spending money.
  14. Immigrants are people who move permanently to a new country.
  15. If discovered by the government, illegal aliens will be deported.
  16. The 14th Amendment defines a U.S. citizen as anyone “born or naturalized in the United States.”
  17. E pluribus unum is Latin for “Out of many, one.”
  18. Government by consent of the governed is called popular sovereignty.
  19. Terrorism is the use of violence by groups against civilians to achieve a political goal.
  20. Free elections allow people to choose their leaders and voice their opinions on issues.
  21. Individual rights, rule of law, and consent of the governed are all fundamental principles of American democracy.
  22. “Limited government” means the government may only do what the people have given it power to do.
  23. Federal government has the power to coin money, declare war, conduct foreign relations, and establish post offices.
  24. State government has the power to conduct elections, regulate public safety, and create a state militia.
  25. Federal and state governments both have the power to collect taxes, create/enforce laws, establish courts, and grant welfare.
  26. Governments provide many public services for the communities. They create and manage libraries, schools, hospitals, parks, and recreation centers. Governments also develop systems to provide mass transit and supply water to our homes and businesses. Government workers build and repair streets, erect bridges, collect garbage, and deliver the mail. Many government services are aimed at keeping the public healthy and safe. Local communities set up fire departments and ambulance services, for example. States license drivers and doctors. Other government agencies protect us from dangerous drugs or spoiled food. Government inspectors check for safety problems in everything from factories to day care centers to amusement park rides.
  27. Compare and contrast illegal vs. legal aliens with 2 similarities and 2 differences. Describe the impact of aliens on U.S. culture and society today. Create a plan for protecting the U.S. from incoming illegal aliens. Both groups come to the U.S. to look for employment, better home/social lives, freedom, liberty, and equality. Both may hold jobs, own property, attend public schools, receive govt. services, pay taxes, and are entitled to legal protections. Neither group may vote, hold a govt. office, or serve on juries. Legal aliens enter the country with the permission of the U.S. govt. while illegal aliens do not. Illegal aliens when apprehended by USCIS will be deported. The U.S. govt. favors allowing those aliens who are relatives of U.S. citizens and have needed skills, want to work, produce, and contribute to American society, along with those who have the finances to invest in our economy. Alien influence is seen throughout U.S. society today including the areas of fashion, music, and education. Most schools require students to learn a foreign language. Increase the Border Patrol along the 6,000 miles of Mexican and Canadian borders and 2,000 miles of coastal waters surrounding the Florida peninsula and island of Puerto Rico. Impose stiff fines and prison terms against companies that hire illegals. Write legislation that would end tax-funded social services, such as school, health care, social security, and other benefits.