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Highlands Ranch High School - Mr. Sedivy
Highlands Ranch, Colorado
American Government - Democracy
State Government
Features of a State
Population - The people share an agreement about basic beliefs. (democracy)
Mobility - 18% of Americans move to a new residence each year.
Power is shifting from the north and east to the west and south.
The population is shifting from inner cities to the suburbs.
Territory
Each state has an established boundary. These boundaries have changed
as a result of US wars. Boundaries have also changed due to land purchases
through negotiation.
United States Territorial Gains, 1783 - 1853
 
Left: Alaska was purchased from Russia in 1867.
Right: Political Cartoon - 1900. Lables on Uncle Sam's pants list
territorial gains.
President McKinley is the tailor, outfitting the growing nation.
National Government
Sovereignty
Each nation state has supreme and absolute authority
within its boundaries. Sovereignty makes lands and shapes foreign
policy. In theory, every state is equal. (Does the US exercise more
influence than, say, Mexico?)
Purpose of Government
Responsible for maintaining social order, services, and enforcement.
There is interdependence among the nations. We rely on each other.
(For example, think about a simple pencil - the rubber eraser, graphite
for the lead, wood for the pencil, metal to hold the eraser. Resources
from many nations and locations are needed to manufacture a common
pencil.)
Balance of power.
Real politics - events in one country affects others. Therefore, the
United Nations or a similar international association is necessary.
US Government - Democracy
State Government / National Government
Why Did Government Originate?
American Constitution
What is a Constitution?
Powers Prohibited to Congress / Powers Prohibited
to States
Other Types of Government
Autocracy, Totalitarian Dictatorship, Absolute
Monarchy
Trial and Judicial System Information
Officers of the Court
/ Characteristics of a Trial
Courtroom Demeanor / How to Dress for Court
Testifying in Court - The DOs and DON'Ts
Trial Tactics and Tricks Used by Attorneys
Common Trial Objections During Testimony
Courtroom Definitions
Class Activities
Constitution Presentations
The Trial of Goldilocks
America's Entry into World War I
More Information
View WWI Uncle Sam Poster
- 1917
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