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Civics EOC Review and Key Concepts

Dec 3, 2024

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.