Civics EOC Full Review

Jul 28, 2024

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Civics EOC Full Review

Overview of the Civics EOC

  • Mandatory state test.
  • Around 55 questions (varies).
  • Cumulative: covers the entire year's material.

Defining Citizenship

  • Birthright Citizenship:
    • Law of Soil: Born in the U.S.
    • Law of Blood: Born to U.S. citizen parents.
  • Naturalization Process:
    • Must be 18 or older.
    • Live in U.S. lawfully for 5 years (Green Card required).
    • File for citizenship -> Interview (test English, writing, speaking) -> 10-question civics test -> Oath to uphold the Constitution.
  • Advantages of U.S. Citizenship:
    • Right to vote.
    • Powerful passport.
    • Family reunification.

Obligations and Responsibilities of Citizens

  • Obligations (Must Do):
    • Follow laws.
    • Pay taxes.
    • Jury duty.
    • Selective Service (men).
    • Consequences for non-compliance: Jail, fines, community service.
  • Responsibilities (Should Do):
    • Vote.
    • Stay informed (news).
    • Petition/protest the government.
    • Possibly run for office.
    • No formal punishment for non-action.

Forms of Government

  • Anarchy: No one rules.
  • Single Ruler:
    • Absolute Monarch: Unlimited power.
    • Constitutional Monarch: Limited by laws.
    • Dictator: Military power.
    • Autocrat: Unlimited power.
  • Oligarchy: Few people rule, often based on wealth, race, or religion.
  • Democracy:
    • Direct Democracy: Citizens vote on all laws (works in small populations, e.g., Switzerland).
    • Indirect Democracy (Republic): Citizens elect representatives to vote on laws (e.g., U.S. - Congress).

Systems of Government

  • Unitary System: Strong central authority; weaker regional governments (e.g., schools).
  • Federal System: Shared power between central and regional governments (e.g., the U.S.).
  • Confederal System: Weak central government; strong regional government (e.g., states hold power).
  • Parliamentary System: Lawmakers elected by citizens choose the executive leader (differences with U.S. system).

Enlightenment Philosophies

  • John Locke:
    • Tabula Rasa: Blank slate at birth.
    • Natural Rights: Life, liberty, and property.
    • Social Contract: People give up certain rights to government; government protects rights. Right to rebel if government fails.
  • Montesquieu:
    • Separation of Powers: Prevents tyranny by dividing power into three branches.

Influences on American Founding Documents

  • Key Documents:
    • Magna Carta: Limited government.
    • Mayflower Compact: Self-government.
    • English Bill of Rights: General rights.
    • Common Sense (Thomas Paine): Independence.
  • Founding Fathers:
    • Influenced by Enlightenment (esp. Locke and Montesquieu).
    • Major figures: Thomas Jefferson, James Madison, George Washington, Benjamin Franklin, Alexander Hamilton.

Causes of the American Revolution

  • Taxation Issues:
    • Taxes on goods (sugar, tea, etc.) without representation.
  • Rights Violations:
    • Proclamation Line of 1763.
    • Quartering soldiers, Boston Massacre.
  • Declaration of Independence:
    • Written by Thomas Jefferson.
    • Influenced by John Locke (Natural Rights, Social Contract).
    • Lists grievances against King George III.
    • Ends with the assertion of independence.

Summary

  • Key points recapped for the Civics EOC.
  • Importance of understanding citizenship, forms and systems of government, Enlightenment philosophies, and founding documents.
  • Encouragement to review and prepare for the EOC.