5/20

TEST THURSDAY (5/23)

Study Guide: Vietnam War, Memorial Day, Veterans Day, Branches of Government

Vietnam

-          Domino Theory – America couldn’t let Ho Chi Minh take over Vietnam because Laos and Cambodia would quickly become communist countries

-          North Vietnam – communist

-          South Vietnam – anti-communist

-          Viet Cong advantage – they knew the terrain extremely well

-          Unpopularity of Vietnam – gruesome bloodshed on both sides

-          Richard Nixon slogan – “Peace with honor”

-          The United States and Vietnam are trading partners today.

-          58,000 died

Memorial Day / Veterans Day

-          Memorial Day - Federal Holiday

-          Decorate graves with flags and flowers

-          Victory gardens were planted in Philadelphia during WWII.

-          For draftees, military service is required.

-          The War in Afghanistan is the longest lasting war in U.S. history.

-          Approximately 1,000,000 Americans have died in uniform.

-          The tradition of attending a parade supports the idea that Memorial Day is a celebration.

-          Sending care packages is a way to support deployed soldiers.

-          All veterans that are deployed have to spend time away from their friends and family.

-          Military casualties are unavoidable because some soldiers work in dangerous conditions.

Branches of Government

-         Legislative

§  Makes the laws

§  Congress (2 chambers) Senate / House of Representatives

§  Senate – 100 senators (2 from each state)

§  House of Representatives – number based on population (535)

-          Executive

§  Approve the laws

§  President is in charge

§  President (2 terms / 4years each)

§  Cabinet – group of people who help the president make decisions

-          Judicial

§  Carry out the laws

§  Supreme Court

§  9 Judges (life or retire)

***** Define on the back: Constitution, Bill of Rights, veto *****