American Political Systems.pptVIP

American Political Systems Pre-read questions 1. How is American political institutions composed of ? 2. What are the functions of each political branch as far as you know ? American political Institutions The U.S Constitution 1.the general introduction to constitution 2.the components in the constitution 3.the main provisions in the constitution The general introduction to constitution Position: 1. The basic instrument of American Government. 2. The supreme law of the land. 3. The basis for political stability, economic growth and social progress. Characteristic: The oldest written constitution in the world The components in the constitution The Article of Confederation 《联邦条款》 + Bill of Rights first 10 amendments 《人权法案》 + Other Amendments 11-27 其它修正案 || Present Constitution The Article of Confederation Forming process: Background: The end of the independent war; Origin: Thirteen former colonies states didn’t want to give up their independence, but they really need each other; Intention: To set up a loosely knits organization of states; Establishment: In 1781, the Second Continental Congress adopted the Article of confederation as a constitution; Bill of Rights Definition: It is a term used for the first amendments to the constitution. It guarantees freedom of: religion, speech, the press, assembly and petition; freedom from unreasonable searches; right to jury trial, right to due process of law and other legal rights. Other famous amendments Thirteenth Amendment 1865 : Abolishes slavery and authorizes Congress to enforce abolition. Fifteenth Amendment 1870 : Forbids the federal government and the states from using a citizens race, color, or previous status as a slave as a qualification for voting. Twenty-fifth Amendment 1967 : Changes details of presidential succession, provides for temporary removal of president, and provides for replacement of the vice president. The main provisions in the constitution 1. the federal system federal governmen