American_Political_System概要1.ppt

Political System The US Constitution Two Characteristics Federalism Separation of powers :checks and balances Federalism Federalism means the division of the powers of government between the nation and the state. Each American is subject to two governments: 1) the government of his state and 2) the government of the Union. The states have the primary functions of providing law and order, education, public health and most of the things, which concern day-to-day life. The federal government at Washington is concerned with foreign affairs and with matters of general concern to the states, including commerce between the states. The US Constitution Separation of powers: checks and balances Separation of Powers It refers to the principle that the national government is split into 3 branches: legislative, executive and judicial. In the legislative branch, power is split further into 2 houses. THE CONSTITUTION OF THE U, S, 1787 THE CONSTITUTION OF THE U, S, 1787 Article 2. Sec.1. The executive Power shall be vested in a President of the United States of America.He shall hold his office during the Term of four years…… THE CONSTITUTION OF THE U, S, 1787 checks and balances Separation of powers: checks and balances Checks and Balances Each 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. Checks and Balances Checks and Balances Congress may pass a law, but the President can veto, or cancel it. Then Congress may pass the law againthis time by a 2/3 voteand the president cannot veto it. But the law may still be cancelled if the Supreme Court decides it unconstitutional. The Congress can impeach (sack) the president or a Supreme Court judge THE CONSTITUTION OF THE U, S, 1787 Article 4. The Congress, whenever two thirds of both houses shall deem it necessary, shall propose Amendments to this Constitution Amendment II The Three Documents That Made Ameri