Civics EOC Review Lecture Notes

Introduction

• Civics EOC: Mandatory state test with approx. 55 questions, covering entire year's civics material.

Citizenship

• Definition of Citizenship:

  • Born a citizen through place of birth (law of soil) or parent nationality (law of blood).
  • Naturalization process for non-citizens:
    • Must be 18+, live lawfully in the US for 5 years with a green card.
    • Application, interview, English and civics test, oath to uphold the Constitution.

• Advantages of Citizenship:

  • Right to vote, holding a powerful US passport, family reunification.

Obligations and Responsibilities of Citizens

• Obligations:

  • Following laws, paying taxes, jury duty, and selective service for men at 18.
  • Consequences for non-compliance include jail, fines, or community service.

• Responsibilities:

  • Voting, staying informed, petitioning or protesting government, running for office.
  • No legal penalties for not fulfilling these responsibilities.

Forms of Government

• Anarchy: No one rules, often temporary.
• Autocracy: One ruler (monarch, dictator, or autocrat) with unlimited power.
• Oligarchy: A few people rule, often based on race, religion, or wealth.
• Democracy:
  • Direct democracy: Citizens vote on all laws (e.g., Switzerland).
  • Indirect democracy (Representative democracy): Citizens vote for representatives (e.g., United States).

Systems of Government

• Unitary System: Strong central authority, weaker regional governments.
• Federal System: Power shared between central and regional governments (e.g., USA).
• Confederal System: Weak central government, strong regional governments.
• Parliamentary System: Lawmakers choose the executive leader.

Enlightenment Influences

• Key Philosophers:
  • John Locke:
    • Tabula Rasa (blank slate), natural rights (life, liberty, property).
    • Social contract: People give some rights to government for protection.
    • Right to rebel if government fails.
  • Montesquieu:
    • Separation of powers to prevent tyranny; inspired Articles 1-3 of US Constitution.

Founding Fathers and Documents

• Influential Documents:
  • Magna Carta (limited government), Mayflower Compact (self-government), English Bill of Rights, Common Sense by Thomas Paine.
• Founding fathers like Thomas Jefferson and James Madison drew ideas from Enlightenment thinkers.

Road to Independence

• Taxation and Rights Violations:
  • Taxes without representation, forced quartering, proclamation line, Boston Massacre.
• Declaration of Independence:
  • Written by Thomas Jefferson; influenced by John Locke’s ideas.
  • Stated natural rights (life, liberty, pursuit of happiness) and social contract.
  • Included list of grievances against King George III.

Conclusion

• Encouragement to engage with civics content and prepare for the EOC exam.