ODE HS American Government

ODE
HIGH SCHOOL
AMERICAN GOVERNMENT

Students examine the Founding Documents, which form the basis for the United States of America and how the American people govern themselves at national, state and local levels of government. Students may also impact issues addressed by governments through service learning and senior projects.

Introduction: Crash Course U.S. Government and Politics

Craig Benzine introduces a brand new Crash Course about U.S. Government and Politics! This course will provide you with an overview of how the government of the United States is supposed to function, and we'll get into how it actually does function. The two aren't always the same thing. We'll be learning about the branches of government, politics, elections, political parties, pizza parties, and much, much more!
Produced in collaboration with PBS Digital Studios: http://youtube.com/pbsdigitalstudios

American Law: History and Origins

Visit Study.com for thousands more videos like this one. You'll get full access to our interactive quizzes and transcripts and can find out how to use our videos to earn real college credit. YouTube hosts only the first few lessons in each course. The rest are at Study.com. Take the next step in your educational future and graduate with less debt and in less time.

Civic Involvement

1. Opportunities for civic engagement with the structures of government are made possible through political and public policy processes.

Political processes are related to the acquisition of governmental power and influencing governmental decision making. Public policy processes are related to the institutional actions and procedures involved with the government carrying out its functions.

Resource: Project Citizen, Ohio Center for Law-Related Education

We The People Introduction

Attorney General Mike DeWine and Chief Justice Maureen O'Connor introduce the We The People program for middle school and high school students.

Ohio High School Mock Trial Video Tutorial

A Mock Trial how-to for teachers and students, the video outlines Mock Trial elements -- opening statement, direct and cross examinations, and closing arguments -- with examples of each in a simulated trial. Thank you to Westerville South High School Mock Trial team and the Ohio State Bar Association.

2. Political parties, interest groups and the media provide opportunities for civic involvement through various means.

Political parties consist of organizations whose members hold similar views on public issues. Political parties seek to determine public policy through winning elections and having their members hold public office.

Interest groups consist of organizations whose members hold similar views on public issues. Interest groups seek to influence the making and execution of public policy by engaging in political and public policy processes.

Media are various means of mass communication with different audiences. Political parties and interest groups use media to influence the political and public-policy processes.

Civic Participation and Skills

3. Issues can be analyzed through the critical use of information from public records, surveys, research data and policy positions of advocacy groups.

Researching a civic issue involves determining which sources of information are relevant to the task, identifying the perspective or position of each source and evaluating the credibility of the sources.
Public records can include sources such county tax records, a report issued by a state agency or the Congressional Record.
Surveys of public opinion could be conducted by students or could come from major polling organizations. Surveys also could consist of data collections pertaining to a public issue (e.g., a survey of waterway contamination resulting from the runoff of snow removal chemicals).
Research data comes in many forms and may originate with organizations ranging from universities to research institutes. Research into local issues can be conducted by students.
Advocacy groups (interest groups, lobbies) produce literature and maintain websites that outline their positions on public policy issues.

Considerations involved with determining the credibility of sources include:

The qualifications/reputation of the writer and/or organization;
The circumstances in which the source material was generated;
Internal consistency and agreement with other credible sources;
Use of supporting evidence and logical conclusions; and
Evidence of bias or unstated assumptions.

We are a house divided, a nation torn by bloody civil war

The divisions between the northern and southern states grow into civil war.

Basic Principles of the U.S. Constitution

5. As the supreme law of the land, the U.S. Constitution incorporates basic principles that help define the government of the United States as a federal republic including its structure, powers and relationship with the governed.

Basic principles which help define the government of the United States include but are not limited to popular sovereignty, limited government, federalism, separation of powers, and checks and balances.
Popular sovereignty is the principle that governmental authority is derived from the people. Under this principle, government governs with the consent of the governed.
The principle of limited government holds that a government can only exercise the powers granted to it. Government must be conducted according to the rule of law.
Federalism is a system of government in which power is divided between a central authority and constituent units. Under the U.S. Constitution, this principle is reflected in the division of powers between the national government and the states.
The principle of separation of powers requires a distribution of governmental powers among independent branches. Each of the branches has a specific field of authority and unique set of responsibilities within the operation of the government.
Checks and balances constitute a system for controlling government power. Under this principle, the branches of government possess the ability to restrain certain actions of other branches.

Resource: National Constitution Center
Resource: Ted Talks - The making of the United States’ Constitution

The Making of the American Constitution - Judy Walton

How did a meeting intended to revise the Articles of Confederation lead to the new Constitution for the United States? Discover how a handful of men--sitting in sweltering heat and shrouded by secrecy--changed the course of history for America in 1787.

The Bicameral Congress: Crash Course Government and Politics #2

Craig Benzine teaches you about the United States Congress, and why it's bicameral, and what bicameral means. Craig tells you what the Senate and House of Representatives are for, some of the history of the institutions, and reveal to you just how you can become a representative. It's not that easy. But an eagle gets punched, so there's that.

Separation of Powers and Checks and Balances: Crash Course Government and Politics #3

Craig Benzine teaches you about the US Governments Separation of powers and the system of checks and balances. In theory, the Legislative Branch, the Executive Branch, and the Judicial Brach are designed to keep each other in check, and to keep any branch from becoming too powerful. In reality, the system was designed to keep the president from becoming some kind of autocrat. For the most part, it has worked. Craig will call in the clones to explain which powers belong to which branches, and to reveal some secret perks that the Supreme Court justices enjoy.

6. The Federalist Papers and the Anti-Federalist Papers framed the national debate over the basic principles of government encompassed by the Constitution of the United States.

When the Constitution of the United States was before the states for ratification, various attempts were made to influence the ratification debates. The proponents of ratification became known as Federalists and the opponents as Anti-Federalists. Both sides prepared essays that outlined their arguments. The Federalist Papers and the AntiFederalist Papers discussed key principles of government as they related to the circumstances of that time.
One key argument during the ratification debate concerned the extent of power that should be held by the national government. Federalists argued that the powers bestowed upon the national government helped to counteract the problems encountered under the Articles of Confederation. State sovereignty would have to give way in favor of the general welfare of the nation. In any case, according to the Federalists, federal power was defined and limited, while the states still held many residual powers. The Anti-Federalists responded that the truly important powers to govern had been delegated to the national government and that the states had little role other than to oversee the selection of federal officials. In addition, argued the Anti-Federalists, the “necessary and proper” and “supremacy” clauses rendered ineffective any limitations on the powers of the national government.
Federalists can be said to have won the overall debate on the basic principles of government with the ratification of the Constitution of the United States. Anti-Federalists did achieve some success with the limitations on government embraced by the Bill of Rights

Resource: The Library of Congress - The Federalists Papers

Federalism: Crash Course Government and Politics #4

Craig Benzine teaches you about federalism, or the idea that in the United States, power is divided between the national government and the 50 state governments. Craig will teach you about how federalism has evolved over the history of the US, and what powers are given to the federal government, and what stuff the states control on their own. And he punches an eagle, which may not surprise you at all.

7. Constitutional government in the United States has changed over time as a result of amendments to the U.S. Constitution, Supreme Court decisions, legislation and informal practices.

Popular sovereignty – Federalist No. 39, Amend. 14 (definition of citizenship) and suffrage amendments, Baker v. Carr and Reynolds v. Sims, political parties, election procedures; 
Limited government – Federalist No. 44, Amendments 1 and 11, Kelo v. City of New London, Connecticut; 
Federalism – Federalist No. 45, Amend. 10, Gibbons v. Ogden and McCulloch v. Maryland, Force Bill (1833), use of federal grants and interstate compacts; 
Separation of powers – Federalist No. 47, Myers v. United States, Buckley v. Valeo and Immigration and Naturalization Service v. Chadha, legislative oversight; and 
Checks and balances – Federalist No. 51, War Powers Act of 1973, impoundment.

Resource: National Constitution Center

Constitutional Compromises: Crash Course Government and Politics #5

Craig Benzine teaches you about the compromises met in ratifying the U.S. Constitution. The United State’s didn’t always have its current system of government. Actually, this is it’s second attempt. Craig will delve into the failures (and few successes) of the Articles of Confederation, tell you how delegates settled on a two-house system of representation, discuss the issues of slavery and population that have been imbedded into our constitution, and fire up the clone machine to discuss how federalists and anti-federalist opposition provided the U.S. a Bill of Rights. And who knows, maybe all this talk of compromise will even inspire Craig and eagle to find some middle ground.

Naturalization Cemermony

A group of immigrants are sworn in as new citizens.

Kelo v. City of New London

Susette Kelo's legal battle with New London, Conn. brought about one of the most controversial and troubling Supreme Court rulings in many many years. But her fight also spurred a backlash among property owners and state legislatures. Susette Kelo now lives in a town across the river from New London.

8. The Bill of Rights was drafted in response to the national debate over the ratification of the Constitution of the United States.

A key argument during the course of the debate over the ratification of the U.S. Constitution concerned the need for a bill of rights. Federalists pointed to protections included in the original document but Anti-Federalists argued that those protections were inadequate. To secure sufficient votes in the state ratifying conventions, Federalists pledged to offer a bill of rights once the new government was established. Massachusetts and Virginia, in accord with Anti-Federalist sentiments, went so far as to propose amendments to the Constitution, including amendments to protect the rights of citizens.
The amendments which were ratified in 1791 and became known as the Bill of Rights addressed protections for individual rights (Amendments 1 – 9). These amendments reflect the principle of limited government. The 10th Amendment also addressed the principle of limited government as well as federalism.

Resource: The Library of Congress - The Federalist Papers
Resource: LOC - The Bill of Rights
Resource: TedTalks about The Bil of Rights

A 3-minute guide to the Bill of Rights - Belinda Stutzman

Daily, Americans exercise their rights secured by the Constitution. The most widely discussed and debated part of the Constitution is known as the Bill of Rights. Belinda Stutzman provides a refresher course on exactly what the first ten amendments grant each and every American citizen.

9. The Reconstruction Era prompted Amendments 13 through 15 to address the aftermath of slavery and the Civil War.

The conflict over slavery was a primary cause of the American Civil War. As the war came to a close, plans to “reconstruct” the rebellious states were instituted. The 13th Amendment, which abolished slavery, was not part of President Lincoln’s original plan to readmit former Confederate states to Congress. Ratification of the 13th Amendment became a requirement under President Johnson’s Reconstruction plan.
Once Southern state efforts to curtail the rights of freedmen became known, two further amendments were proposed. Ratification of these amendments became a requirement under the congressional plan of Reconstruction.
The 14th Amendment defined what persons were citizens of the United States and offered protection from state infringements on citizens’ rights. It also revised the means for determining representation in the House of Representatives and included punishments for former Confederates and their states. The 15th Amendment extended the right to vote to citizens regardless of race, color or previous condition of servitude

Resource: The United States Senate

The Reconstruction Amendments: The 13th, 14th, and 15th Amendments

The 14th Amendment Explained: US Government Review

Hughes does the 14th amendment dirty. Subscribe to HipHughes History, it's stupid easy and free https://www.youtube.com/user/hughesdv...

10. Amendments 16 through 19 responded to calls for reform during the Progressive Era.

The Progressive Era was a time of political, economic, and social reform in response to problems which emerged throughout the United States in the late 1800s. Progressive reforms began at the local level and gradually spread to the national level, including four constitutional amendments. These amendments addressed issues related to taxation, representation in Congress, alcohol use and suffrage.
Concerns over the usage of tariffs by the federal government and distribution of wealth in the country had been raised by the Populist Party. Progressives took up the call for reform and the 16th Amendment was passed to allow for a federal income tax. Critics of state politics viewed political party bosses and business leaders as having too much influence on state legislatures and their selection of senators. Amendment 17 provides for the direct election of senators by the people. Proponents of prohibition had for decades linked alcohol use to problems such as poverty and the destruction of family life. Efforts to ban the use of alcoholic beverages led to passage of the 18th Amendment. Another longstanding reform effort was focused on obtaining the right to vote for women. The 19th Amendment ended the denial of suffrage based upon the sex of a citizen.

The 17th Amendment Explained: The Constitution for Dummies Series

Explaining the 17th Amendment to the US Constitution and the direct election of United States Senators by popular vote.
Check out the rest of the Constitution for Dummies Series http://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=...

11. Four amendments have provided for extensions of suffrage to disenfranchised groups.

A recurring theme in amending the Constitution of the United States has been the extension of voting rights to more citizens. Over time, the fundamental democratic practice of voting has been made possible for different groups of people.
Amendment 15 prohibits the denial of suffrage to people because of race, color or previous condition of servitude. Amendment 19 prohibits the denial of suffrage on account of sex. Poll taxes disenfranchised the poor and were also used as Jim Crow legislation to deny the right to vote to African Americans. Amendment 24 prohibits the use of poll taxes in federal elections. Finally, as a result of many young men being drafted to fight in the Vietnam War, but not being able to vote, Amendment 26 extends the right to vote to citizens who are 18 years of age or older

Twenty-sixth Amendment Certification Ceremony

Clip from the Twenty-sixth Amendment certification ceremony on July 5, 1971 in the White House.

12. Five amendments have altered provisions for presidential election, terms and succession to address changing historical circumstances.

Constitutional provisions related to the executive branch of the federal government have been frequent subjects for amendment. The amendments have responded to events impacting presidential elections, terms and succession. Amendment 12 altered the procedures of the Electoral College. The change allowed separate balloting for president and vice president to avoid a tie in electoral votes, as happened in the election of 1800.
The main provisions of Amendment 20 shortened the time between elections and when presidents and members of Congress take office. These changes reflected the improvements in transportation which allowed for easier travel to Washington and also reflected the desire to avoid “lame duck” periods in the transition from one administration or session to another.
Amendment 22 imposed a two-term limit on presidential terms. This amendment was passed following the four-term presidency of Franklin Roosevelt to institutionalize the twoterm tradition established by George Washington.
Amendment 23 provided electors for the District of Columbia. The Electoral College was originally based upon electors representing states. As the population of the District of Columbia grew, it was decided that the residents there deserved to have the opportunity to vote for electors in presidential elections.
Presidential succession and disability were addressed by Amendment 25. Lyndon B. Johnson, who had a history of heart problems, took office following the assassination of John F. Kennedy. As with other presidential successions, this left the office of the vice president vacant. The 25th Amendment clarified that a successor to the presidency was designated as President of the United States and included provisions for filling the office of Vice President. It also outlined procedures to be used in case of presidential disability.

The 20th Amendment Explained: The Lame Duck

Learn the essentials of the twentieth amendment including the lame duck, the movement of the inauguration date and why the dates for Congress were altered.

Ted-Ed: Does your vote count? The Electoral College explained

View full lesson: http://ed.ted.com/lessons/does-your-v...
You vote, but then what? Discover how your individual vote contributes to the popular vote and your state's electoral vote in different ways--and see how votes are counted on both state and national levels.
Lesson by Christina Greer, animation by Marked Animation.

13. Amendments 11, 21 and 27 have addressed unique historical circumstances.

Three amendments to the United States Constitution have come about due to particularly unique circumstances. One amendment addresses judicial power and another repeals a previous amendment. The most recent amendment took more than 200 years to be ratified.
The 11th Amendment was proposed in 1794, one year after the Supreme Court ruled in Chisholm v. Georgia (1793) that a lawsuit involving a state being sued by a citizen from another state could be heard in a federal court. Concerns over the extent of federal power led to the passage of this amendment, which limits the jurisdiction of the federal courts in cases of this type. The amendment repeals a portion of Article III, section 2, clause 1 of the Constitution.
Congress enacted the Volstead Act to implement the provisions of the 18th Amendment. Difficulties in enforcing the law led to widespread disregard for Prohibition and increased criminal activities during the 1920’s. A successful 1932 Democratic Party campaign against Prohibition led to the proposal and ratification of the 21st Amendment, which repealed the 18th Amendment.
Originally proposed in 1789 to limit conflicts of interest among members of Congress in determining their own compensation, the 27th Amendment was not ratified with the 10 amendments known today as the Bill of Rights. Popular opposition to congressional pay raises in the 1980’s renewed interest in the amendment and it was ratified in 1992.

Prohibition in the United States: National Ban of Alcohol

It was known as the Noble Experiment. In this video, http://www.WatchMojo.com explores the period of history known as Prohibition in the United States.

Structure and Functions of the Federal Government

14. Law and public policy are created and implemented by three branches of government; each functions with its own set of powers and responsibilities.

Laws are rules recognized as binding and enforced by a government. Public policy consists of institutional actions and procedures pursued by a government in carrying out its functions.

The U.S. Constitution establishes roles for each of the three branches of government related to law and public policy. It assigns each branch special powers and responsibilities.

Laws are made by the legislative branch. Laws are enforced by the executive branch. Laws are interpreted by the judicial branch as it resolves disputes under the laws. The actions and procedures of all three branches establish public policy. These include:

Legislative – conducting oversight investigations, instituting impeachment proceedings, approving treaties, passing resolutions;
Executive – making rules and regulations, proposing the federal budget, recognizing foreign nations, issuing executive orders; and
Judicial – issuing writs of certiorari, establishing judicial procedures, sentencing offenders, accepting amicus curiae briefs

Resource: The U.S. Government’s Official Web Portal
Resource: TedEd Talk about the division of powers among the three branches of government

Ted-Ed: How is power divided in the United States government?

Articles I-III of the United States Constitution allow for three separate branches of government (legislative, executive, and judicial), along with a system of checks and balances should any branch get too powerful. Belinda Stutzman breaks down each branch and its constitutionally-entitled powers.
Lesson by Belinda Stutzman, animation by Johnny Chew.

15. The political process creates a dynamic interaction among the three branches of government in addressing current issues.

Current issues are addressed by all three branches of the government as they make public policy. The interactions among the branches range from instances where they work in concert to instances involving the exercise of checks and balances. In this context, the political process becomes one of the branches exercising their powers to influence public policy.

The U.S. Constitution addresses the interaction among the branches of government with a system of checks and balances. Checks and balances include:

Legislative on executive – veto override, impeachment of civil officers, Senate approval of appointments and treaties, raise and govern military forces;
Legislative on judicial – creation of lower courts, determination of appellate jurisdiction of the Supreme Court, impeachment of judges;
Executive on legislative – convene either or both houses of Congress, veto legislation;
Executive on judicial – appoint judges, issue pardons and reprieves;
Judicial on legislative – Chief Justice of the Supreme Court presides over impeachment trials for the president, interpret and apply laws;
and  Judicial on executive – judges not subject to removal by president, interpret and apply laws.

Resource: The U.S. Government’s Official Web Portal

Constitution Hall Pass:The Presidency

Just in time for the 2012 election, this engaging, interactive lesson traces the history of the American presidency and features a special introduction by ABC News anchor George Stephanopoulos—former adviser and communications director for President Bill Clinton. Join constitutional experts and the Center's education staff to explore why it was important for our young nation to have an executive branch, and why nevertheless some people were worried about giving it too much power. We'll also take a trip to a very special location in America's presidential history. We'll be hailing to the chief as we ring in the Constitution's 225th anniversary!

Constitution Hall Pass: The Legislative Branch

Give your students a "hall pass" to travel through American history—without leaving the classroom! Constitution Hall Pass video lessons and live chats are a hit with millions of students and teachers nationwide. Our brand-new episode, "Constitution Day 2013: The Legislative Branch," provides a behind-the-scenes look at how laws are made in the United States. Plus, we'll explore some famous historic sites which bring the story of the legislative branch to life!

Role of the People

16. In the United States, people have rights that protect them from undue governmental interference. Rights carry responsibilities that help define how people use their rights and that require respect for the rights of others.

People in the United States have claims to protection from government intrusion in certain aspects of their lives. These claims are called rights.
During the American Revolution, various state bills of rights were drafted. The original U.S. Constitution outlined many rights held by the people (see Art. I, sec. 9 and 10, Art. III, sec. 2, Art. IV, sec. 2). The federal Bill of Rights not only enumerates many rights, but other unstated rights are alluded to under the Ninth Amendment. The U.S. Supreme Court, in its interpretation of the 14th Amendment’s dueprocess clause, has instituted the doctrine of incorporation meaning that most of the guarantees in the Bill of Rights also apply to state and local governments.
Many of the rights held by American citizens protect the ability to participate in the political process (e.g., speech, press, assembly, petition, suffrage, hold public office). There are general responsibilities of citizenship (e.g., respecting the rule of law, paying taxes and fees, accepting responsibility for one’s actions).

There also are responsibilities associated with the exercise of particular rights. Examples include: 

Entitlement to privileges and immunities – respecting the rights of others; 
Right of free speech – engaging in civil discourse; 
Right to bear arms – receiving firearms training; 
Right to jury trial – serving on juries; and
Right to vote – becoming informed on public issues

Citizenship also entails service to the nation which guarantees the rights of the people. This may include military service, community service and serving in public office. Individual rights are relative, not absolute. The exercise of rights must be balanced by the rights of others and by the common good.

Resource: Center for Civic Education
Resource: The Bill of Rights Institute
Resource: National Park Service - We Shall Overcome

The fight for the right to vote in the United States - Nicki Beaman Griffin

In the United States today, if you are over eighteen, a citizen, and the resident of a state, you can vote (with some exceptions). So, how have voting rights changed since the first election in 1789? Nicki Beaman Griffin outlines the history of the long fight for a more inclusive electorate.

Lesson by Nicki Beaman Griffin, animation by Flaming Medusa Studios.

17. Historically, the United States has struggled with majority rule and the extension of minority rights. As a result of this struggle, the government has increasingly extended civil rights to marginalized groups and broadened opportunities for participation.

The U.S. Constitution guarantees rights to the people of the United States. Historically, despite those guarantees, certain groups of people have not been able to fully exercise their rights. Over time, the U.S. government has taken actions to ensure the free exercise of rights by all people and to protect their ability to participate in the processes of governing.
For instance, the ratification of the 19th Amendment guaranteed suffrage to all women and the ratification of the 24th Amendment eliminated the failure to pay taxes as a reason to deny participation in voting for federal officeholders. The executive branch used National Guard troops to help integrate schools and used the Department of Justice to bring charges against violators of open housing legislation. The legislative branch enacted a series of civil rights acts and voting rights acts in the second half of the 20th century. The U.S. Supreme Court, through the process of incorporation, has used the due process clause of the 14th Amendment to apply most of the federal Bill of Rights to the states

Little Rock, Arkansas High School Integration 221300-10.mp4

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Ohio’s State and Local Governments

18. The Ohio Constitution was drafted in 1851 to address difficulties in governing the state of Ohio.

Under Ohio’s original constitution, the General Assembly was the preeminent branch of the government. Key judicial and executive officers, other than the governor, were appointed by the legislature and were not elected by the people of Ohio. The governor, although an elected official, had few specific powers. The Supreme Court, which was required to meet once each year in every county, found it difficult to meet its obligations. In addition the state was burdened with a significant amount of debt.
The Constitution of 1851 provided that major executive officials and all judges were to be elected by popular vote. While the powers of the governor were not significantly increased, legislative powers to enact retroactive laws were prohibited and all laws of a general nature were required to be uniform throughout the state. District courts were added to the court system to reduce the burdens upon the Supreme Court. The new constitution instituted debt limitations, banned poll taxes and required that tax funds be used only for their stated purpose

Resource: Ohio Secretary of State

19. As a framework for the state, the Ohio Constitution complements the federal structure of government in the United States.

The government of the State of Ohio fits within the federal structure of government. The Ohio Constitution must be consistent with the basic principles outlined in the U.S. Constitution (Article VI). The Ohio Constitution outlines the powers and functions of state government and provides the context for local government in the state.

Resource: State of Ohio Websites
Resource: Local Government Directory
Resource: Ohio Local Government Structure and Finance – Bulletin 835

20. Individuals in Ohio have a responsibility to assist state and local governments as they address relevant and often controversial problems that directly affect their communities.

Ohioans can assist government in addressing problems affecting the state and local communities. Involvement at the state level can range from paying taxes to serving in the National Guard, running for state office, voting and signing petitions to place issues on the ballot. Involvement at the local level can range from organizing civic activities to attending meetings of local boards and commissions, joining community watch groups, and serving in a volunteer fire department.

Public Policy

21. A variety of entities within the three branches of government, at all levels, address public policy issues that arise in domestic and international affairs.

Public policy issues are matters of discussion and debate related to the functions of government. They frequently revolve around problems the government is attempting to address and the projected consequences of public policy decisions.

Examples of public policy at different levels of government by different branches of government include: 

Federal Executive – the Department of State, which advises the president on foreign policy and directs activities of embassies in foreign countries; 
Federal Legislative – the Congressional Budget Office, which provides analyses of economic and budgetary data; 
State Legislative – the Ohio Legislative Service Commission, which assists in drafting legislation; 
State Judicial – the Ohio Courts of Common Pleas, which apply sentencing guidelines for convicted felons; and 
Local Legislative/Executive – County commissions, which determine and grant tax abatements.

The complexity of public policy issues may involve multiple levels and branches of government. These levels and branches may engage in collaboration or conflict as they attempt to address public policy issues (e.g., 2010 Federal Race-to-the-Top education grants, the cleanup of the 2010 BP oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico, Arizona’s planned enforcement of immigration laws in 2010)

Resource: League of Women Voters of Ohio (LWVO)
Resource: Smart Voter/ LWVO

We Are The League Of Women Voters

The Success of Democracy doesn't depend on a few persons who do great things, but on many persons who do small things faithfully...

Government and the Economy

22. Individuals and organizations play a role within federal, state and local governments in helping to determine public (domestic and foreign) policy.

Individuals and organizations engage government officials on public policy using several methods. Individuals and organizations can: 

Campaign for candidates who will support their positions once in office; 
Provide information to executive branch officials on the impacts of potential rules and regulations; 
Lobby members of a legislature; 
Provide testimony before legislative committees; 
Prepare briefs to present during judicial proceedings; 
Offer comments during public meetings; 
Conduct letter-writing campaigns; and 
Hold public demonstrations.

Individuals and organizations must know the proper level and branch of government to engage at the various stages of making public policy

23. The federal government uses spending and tax policy to maintain economic stability and foster economic growth. Regulatory actions carry economic costs and benefits.

Fiscal policies fall into two broad categories: expansionary policies (involving increased government spending and reduced taxes) to increase the level of aggregate demand and contractionary policies (involving decreased government spending and increased taxes) to decrease the level of aggregate demand.
There are difficulties in using fiscal policy to maintain economic stability and foster economic growth. Much government spending is fixed (e.g., entitlement programs), so only a small portion of the federal government’s budget is discretionary. Predicting the impact of spending and taxing is difficult as is predicting future economic performance. Government spending and taxing does not produce immediate results and economic conditions may change; thus, expansionary policies could result in inflation and contractionary policies could result in recession. Coordinating federal spending and taxing with monetary policy and with state policies is difficult and may be contradictory.
Fiscal policy is subject to political pressures; in the past, expansionary policies have tended to be popular and contractionary policies have tended to be unpopular. The imposition of government regulations may foster economic benefits such as prohibiting unfair business practices and providing consumer protections. Government regulations may carry costs such as reduced corporate profits and slower economic growth.

(Macro) Episode 26: Fiscal Policy

The previous videos addressed the macroeconomic goals; this video addresses the idea of fiscal policy (government spending and taxation) as a possible way to target the goals.

24. The Federal Reserve System uses monetary tools to regulate the nation’s money supply and moderate the effects of expansion and contraction in the economy.

Monetary tools employed by the Federal Reserve System to regulate the nation’s money supply include: 

Open market operations (purchase and sale of government securities); 
Adjusting the discount rate (interest rate on loans the Fed makes to financial institutions); and 
Adjusting the reserve requirement (required reserve ratio – the fraction of deposits that banks must keep on reserve and not use to make loans).

Purchasing government securities, reducing the discount rate and reducing the reserve requirement all serve to increase the money supply, decrease interest rates, encourage consumer and business spending, and foster economic expansion. Selling government securities, increasing the discount rate and increasing the reserve requirement all serve to reduce the money supply, increase interest rates, depress consumer and business spending, and foster economic contraction.

The Federal Reserve - In Plain English

Need to learn - or teach someone else - about the Federal Reserve? Have no fear! Whether you're a high school history teacher from Helena or a businessperson from Boise, Buck, our friendly tour guide, will show you around the Federal Reserve System, introducing you to who we are and what we do.

OHIO’S STATE TEST
HIGH SCHOOL AMERICAN GOVERNMENT
TEACHER’S GUIDE

http://www.livebinders.com/play/play/1507260

ODE HIGH SCHOOLAMERICAN GOVERNMENT

​Introduction: Crash Course U.S. Government and Politics

​American Law: History and Origins