This document contains notes from a civics or government class covering several topics: 1. The daily agenda includes finishing a practice test, learning about checks and balances, and completing notes on the Constitution. 2. Key issues examined by the Supreme Court like same-sex marriage, gun laws, and abortion laws are listed. 3. The reasons judges receive lifetime appointments are explained as limiting a president's power to fire and replace judges. 4. The presidential powers and 15 advisors are outlined. 5. An overview of the Illinois Constitution and government is provided, naming the governor, lieutenant governor, and other officials.

1. BELL RINGER
FREE WRITE FOR 10 MIN
JUST WRITE ABOUT ANYTHING YOU WANT
FOR 10MINUTES

2. AGENDA FOR TODAY
• 1. Finish going over the
practice test
• 2. Checks and balances
graphic
• 3. The last of the
Constitution notes
• 4. Sharing notes
• 5. School wide testing on
Wednesday
• 6. When would you like to
take your Constitution?

3. • Grab your notebook
• Flip to your notes and lets finish them

4. BIG ISSUES THAT THE SUPREME
COURT EXAMINES
• Same Sex Marriage
• Gun Laws
• Abortion Laws
• Corporate Rights

5. WHY DO JUDGES GET THEIR
POSITION FOR LIFE?
• To limit the power of the president
• If they are appointed for life, new presidents can’t fire
them and appoint new ones

6. POWERS OF THE PRESIDENT
(EXECUTIVE)
• Represents U.S. in other countries
• Creates treaties with other nations
• Appoints judges, advisors, and ambassadors
• Executive Order (power to make laws)
• Veto Power

7. PRESIDENTIAL ADVISORS
• 15 Advisors
• Each one is a specialist in a specific field
• Examples (Defense, Education, Agriculture, Energy)

8. ILLINOIS CONSTITUTION

9. ILLINOIS IS KNOWN AS A DEMOCRATIC MACHINE

10. WHY IS SPRINGFIELD
IMPORTANT?
• Capital of Illinois
• That’s where state politicians meet

11. WHY DO WE HAVE AN ILLINOIS
CONSTITUTION?
• States have a right to make some decisions for
themselves such as laws and regulations

12. GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF
ILLINOIS
• Body of politicians responsible for writing and voting
on laws.
• A lot like Congress

13. IMPORTANT PEOPLE IN ILLINOIS
GOVERNMENT
• Illinois Governor Bruce Rauner
• Oversees state bureaucracy
• Lieutenant Governor Sheila Simon
• Second most powerful position

14. IMPORTANT PEOPLE IN ILLINOIS
GOVERNMENT
• Treasurer ( Dan Rutherford)
• Safe-keeps and invests money
• Secretary of State (Jessie White)
• Keeps records and deals with automobile related issues
• Attorney General (Lisa Madigan)
• Oversees legal issues
• Comptroller (Judy Topinka)
• Maintains financial accounts and orders payments