. Education that Works . . . World Wide

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A SPECIAL NOTE TO MEMBERS OF BOY SCOUTS OF AMERICA

This is a personal packet of questions and projects which may be completed as part of the requirements for the Citizenship in the Nation Merit Badge; one of the three Citizenship merit badges required for Eagle. If you wish to use this document as part of meeting these requirements, you will want to complete the questions in writing and return them to your counselor at a second meeting.
This merit badge instruction plan has been set up so you can work with other members of your family, with a teacher from your school, or with members of your patrol or troop if you are Scout. All of the information to complete MOST of the answers can be found in the Citizenship in the Nation merit badge book, published by Boy Scouts of America. Also, some of your fellow scouts may have already earned this badge or have completed a United States Constitution class at school. We suggest that you gather into small groups and work together on the requirements for the badge. Each individual scout, however, is to complete the answers to the questions on the following pages in his own words. Completion of the activities for Requirement 4 can be met through individual effort, by a troop activity, by an activity with your family, or an earlier guided experience* (perhaps a family vacation or a school field trip).
Once this packet is completed, you will turn it in, discuss it with your counselor, and have your badge requirements signed off. You may also want to keep this completed packet as part of your Eagle portfolio.


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* A guided experience means an outing with an adult who has knowledge of the facility who is capable of answering questions related to its use and the use or purpose of any organized displays.

Government by the People . . .
"The Grand Experiment" in America

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THE DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE

What is the importance of the Declaration of Independence to each citizen of the United States?

When was it signed?

Where was it signed.

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THE UNITED STATES CONSTITUTION

The Preamble to the Constitution starts with the words "We, the People of the United States . . ." and gives five reasons why the original 13 sovereign states agreed to delegate some of their powers to the federal government. List at least two of the reasons and explain why they are important in allowing out democratic government to function.

What is the importance of the Constitution?

When did it take effect?

What is (or are) the Bill if Rights?

What is their importance in your life as a citizen of the United States?

What are Amendments to the Constitution?

How many Amendments have been made and ratified as of today?

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THE THREE BRANCHES OF GOVERNMENT

What are the three branches of the United States government and what is the function of each branch? (HINT: The function of each branch of the federal government is defined by its powers in relationship to federal laws.)

The powers of each branch of the federal government are limited by those of the other two branches, again in their relationship to federal laws. This is referred to as the System of Checks and Balances. Explain this as best you can in your own words.

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FEDERAL POWERS AND STATE'S RIGHTS

What is the relationship between the governments of "the several states" and the federal government?

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SEEING GOVERNMENT AT WORK

Do one of the following:

a. Visit the national capitol in Washington DC

b. Visit the capitol of your state.

c. Tour a federal installation such as a military base, a major airport control tower, a large dam (operated by the U. S. Army Corps of Engineers) or other similar site.

Write a short report (a short story) about what you did, what you saw, and what you learned.

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A REPRESENTATIVE DEMOCRACY

Every area in the Federal United States is represented by two United States Senators and one member of the House of Representatives. List the names of the two senators from your state and your congressional representative.

The Honorable ___________________________________________
Senate Office Building
Washington, DC

The Honorable ___________________________________________
Senate Office Building
Washington, DC

The Honorable ___________________________________________
Congressional Office Building
Washington, DC

One a separate sheet of stationery, write a letter to one of these women or men expressing your concerns or opinions on a current national or international issue. Show this letter to your counselor, make a copy for your Eagle packet, then mail the letter. When you receive the response from that representative, you will also want to include that response in your Eagle packet.

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FUNCTIONS OF THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT

The IVE Study Guide American Citizenship and What It Means to You, or the Boy Scout Merit Badge book Citizenship in the Nation, lists ten important functions of the United States Federal government. List at least FIVE of these and explain why these functions are important to you, your family, and to local governments.