Презентація на тему «The American Political System»

content: The American Political System

content: BackgroundThe Declaration of Independence 1776The War of Independence 1776-1783The American Constitution 1789Federal government and state govmts.Division of powerChecks and balances

content: State and Federal SystemHistorically state and local government came first.The states have their own legislative, executive and judicial institutionsState and local government control important areas like:HighwaysState income taxPublic schools and universitiesPolice and fire departmentsRegulate business and supervise commercial affairsThe Federal system of government controls:Foreign policy, defense and monetary policyAreas that cannot be regulated locally and statewise: interstate commerce, interstate crime, interstate environmental problems etc.

content: The Legislative Branch: Congress Passes legislation and appropriates moneyThe House of Representatives435 members –according to the size of the state2-year termThe Senate100 members -two from each state6-year term

content: The Executive Branch: The Presidency4-year term - max two 4-year termsProtects the ConstitutionProposes legislationEnforces the laws made by CongressCommander in Chief of the armed forcesAppoints judges to Supreme Court (with the consent of the Senate)

content: The Executive Branch: The CabinetNo mention of it in the ConstitutionSubordinate to the PresidentCabinet members recruited broadly, not necessarily party insiders

content: The Supreme Court9 membersLife term appointmentInterprets and guards the ConstitutionInterprets the lawDecisions of the Supreme Court are finalIn general it plays a conservative role, maintaining legal tradition

content: Checks and BalancesCongress:Power of the purseCan override presidential veto(2/3 majority)Power of impeachmentSenate approves treaties andthe president's appointmentsSupreme Court:Power to declare laws andpresidential actionsunconstitutionalThe President:Power to vetoIssues executive ordersCommander-in-chiefAppoints Federal JudgesGrants Pardons for offensesagainst the US

content: Elections and Political PartiesWinner-take-all-election systemThe Electoral CollegeTwo party system- both appealing to the middle of the political spectrumBalancing the ticket (President and Vice president)Voting patterns: splitting the ticketVoting for individuals rather than party slate

content: The Electoral CollegeRepresentatives of the people in presidential elections534 electors, corresponding to the numbers of Representatives and Senators270 electoral votes guarantee the PresidencyEach state votes as a single block (minus Nebraska and Maine) winner takes allImportance of Swing States and the big states

content: Democrats and RepublicansAnd Their VotersDemocrats supported by majority of black voters (Clinton 83%)Urban ethnicsBlue collar workersCatholicsMore women votersNortheast, upper midwest, northwest, HawaiiProtestant votersBusiness communityWhite collar workersReligious fundamentalists

content: Democrats and Republicans and Their PoliciesDemocratsSupport welfare programsKeynesian economics and job creating programsSocial security, Medicare and MedicaidCivil Rights legislationWomen's right to abortionRebublicansLimiting federal regulation of businessReduction in welfare spendingAnti-abortion