Beliefs and Values Scenarios

1. Beliefs and Values Scenarios • What is the theme/ideology of each of the scenarios? • Monarchy • Representative Government • Dictatorship • Communism • What would your scenario look like?

2. Limited Government • The Constitution spells out what powers the federal and state governments have and what individual rights are protected • Example: The governor allowed illegal acts to be committed so he lost his office.

3. Republicanism • The writers of the Constitution believed that public service was a temporary position; someone elected to office should work on behalf of the people who elected them, but then, after a reasonable amount of time, the elected official should return to private life. • Representing the electorate and serving a limited amount of time are part of the concept of republicanism. • Example: If a representative isn’t doing what the people want him to do, they can elect someone who they think will.

4. Checks and Balances • The system was established to keep any one person or group from gaining control of the government and abusing their power. • One branch of government can stop another branch from taking over the government or becoming too powerful. • Example: A veto is one way the president can limit the power of the Congress.

5. Federalism • A system of shared powers between federal and state governments. The system gives some power to state governments and some to the federal government. • Some powers are specifically denied to either the federal or state governments. • Example: Education is controlled by the state, so Texas can change the curriculum or how long the school year is.

6. Separation of Powers • A system of government with three branches: executive, legislative, and judicial. • Each of the branches has different jobs specific to that branch that the other two do not have. • The purpose of this structure is to keep one branch from being in charge. • The three branches cannot work independently of each other because no one branch has all the power. • Example: The governor and Congress each have separate functions in the law making process.

7. Popular Sovereignty • Literally means “the people rule”. • This means people have a say in government. • Although every person does not vote on every single proposal made by the government, we do have the opportunity to vote for those who will represent us. These representatives make decisions for us. If they do not meet our expectations, we can vote them out of office in the next election. • Example: The citizens of Humble/Kingwood choose Dan Huberty to represent them in the state of Texas.

8. Individual Rights • Means the rights of citizens are protected. • The Bill of Rights is included in the Constitution to ensure the rights of citizens. • Just because something is not specifically listed as an individual right in the Constitution does not mean it is denied. • The government cannot take away the “unalienable rights…of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.” • Example: Freedom of speech and peaceable assemble are protected by the first amendment.