Unit 4 the political system

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Unit 4 The Political System in the USAI. Articles of Confederation II. The US Constitution III. The Legislative Branch IV. The Executive Branch V. The Judicial Branch VI. Political Parties

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I. Articles of Confederationratified in 1781 the constitution of the revolutionary wartime alliance of the thirteen United States of America the rules for operations of the "United States" confederation A confederation is a loose association of independent states that cooperate on specified matters.2

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I. Articles of ConfederationFailed because the states did not cooperate with the Congress or with each other They formed a new nation.

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II. The US ConstitutionThe oldest written constitution in the world (drawn up in1787) 1. What role has the Constitution played?the basic instrument of American government the supreme law of the land. the basis for the evolution of governmental institutions and for political stability, economic growth and social progress in the US. 4

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II. The US Constitution2. Four principles:

2.1 Republican A republican government is one in which people elect representatives to govern.

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2.2. Federalism / The Federal systemWhat is a federal system? It is a system of government in which power is divided by the written constitution between the federal (or central) government and the subordinate (state and local) governments. Each level of government is supreme within its sphere of authority with constitutional guarantee.6

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2.3. Separation of PowersIt is the division of the law-making, law-enforcing, and law-interpreting powers among independent legislative, executive, and judicial branches of government. There are three branches in the United States government as established by the Constitution. First, the Legislative branch makes the law. Second, the Executive branch executes the law. Last, the Judicial branch interprets the law. Each branch has an effect on the other.7

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US Federal Government

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Executive Branch President

Legislative Branch Congress

Judicial Branch Supreme Court9

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2.4. Checks and BalancesEach branch has part of the powers but not all the power. Each branch of government can check, or block the actions of the other. The 3 branches are in balance.

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Checks and Balances

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II. The US Constitution ExamplesCongress may pass a law, but the President can veto, or cancel it. Then Congress may pass the law again---this time by a 2/3 vote---and the president cannot veto it. But the law may still be cancelled if the Supreme Court decides it unconstitutional.

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Checks and BalancesLegislative BranchChecks on the ExecutiveImpeachment power (House) Trial of impeachments (Senate) Selection of the President (House) and Vice President (Senate) in the case of no majority of electoral votes May override Presidential vetoes Senate approves departmental appointments Senate approves treaties and ambassadors Approval of replacement Vice President Power to declare war Power to enact taxes and allocate funds Pr

esident must, from time-to-time, deliver a State of the Union address13

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Checks and BalancesLegislative BranchChecks on the JudiciarySenate approves federal judges Impeachment power (House) Trial of impeachments (Senate) Power to initiate constitutional amendments Power to set courts inferior to the Supreme Court Power to set jurisdiction of courts Power to alter the size of the Supreme Court Checks on the Legislature - because it is bicameral, the Legislative branch has a degree of self-checking. Bills must be passed by both houses of Congress House must originate revenue bills Neither house may adjourn for more than three days without the consent of the other house All journals are to be published

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Checks and BalancesExecutive BranchChecks on the LegislatureVeto power Vice President is President of the Senate Commander in chief of the military Recess appointments Emergency calling into session of one or both houses of Congress May force adjournment when both houses cannot agree on adjournment Compensation cannot be diminished

Checks on the JudiciaryPower to appoint judges Pardon power

Checks on the ExecutiveVice President and Cabinet can vote that the President is unable to discharge his duties

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Checks and BalancesJudicial BranchChecks on the LegislatureJudicial review Seats are held on good behavior Compensation cannot be diminished

Checks on the ExecutiveJudicial review Chief Justice sits as President of the Senate during presidential impeachment