This booklet depicts a basic knowledge covering a portion of civics, government, a list and details of important holidays, and cultural diversity. It also provides ideas and facts that make America a great country where people of different backgrounds reside and share their culture and diversity.
1. Name: __________________________ Civics, Government, Holidays, Diversity Study Guide Civics and Government: Rule – What people must or must not do. Some examples of rules are: no running in the halls, eat all your vegetables, and listen to adults. Laws – Important rules written and carried out by the government, something you must obey. Severe consequences follow if you do not. Laws include: follow the speed limit and walk in the crosswalks. Community – a place where we live, work, and play Citizen – a person who lives in a community →think about some qualities that good citizen have! Trustworthy – able to be relied on Honest – being truthful Rights – all Americans have rights they are born with. Our American rights are “life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness” People are born with rights and they cannot be taken away Equality Under the Law – every citizen in America will be treated fairly Property – the things we own (cars, houses, toys . . .) Direct democracy – when people vote directly for the law or for a decision →Example: voting in the classroom where everyone gets an equal say Representative democracy – when people vote for a person who makes the decisions for everyone →Example: voting for the president, who then makes the decisions on laws and rules Purpose of rules and laws- to keep people safe and maintain order Purpose of government: ● make the laws ● carry out the laws ● decide if the laws have been broken Government has leaders and makes laws at 3 levels- ● Local (community) ● State (Virginia) ● National (United States)
2. Governments are necessary because they develop the laws and protects the rights and property of individuals Many people worked to defend the basic principles that formed the foundation of a republican form of government Ways that people can serve their community, state, and nation- ● being a volunteer ● getting involved in community projects ● serving as a government official ● joining the military ● voting Some of the important national holidays: Independence Day (Fourth of July) – A day to remember when the United States became a new country. It is sometimes called America’s birthday. It is observed in Labor Day – celebrates American workers, observed in September Memorial Day – celebrates US service members that have died in wars while serving for our country, observed in May Veteran’s Day – recognition of and respect for Americans who served in the military, living and dead, observed in November Thanksgiving – a day to remember the sharing of the harvest with the American Indians. It is observed in November. Diversity - having people who are different races or who have different cultures in a →Example: having a classroom full of students of different backgrounds The United States is a country with people from different ethnic origins (culture, language, or religious background), customs (ways of doing things), and traditions (beliefs or behaviors with symbolic meaning). Having people of different backgrounds in America is very important and part of what makes America great. Three main benefits of diversity are ● Music ● Clothing ● Food