America in the Colonial Era 殖民时期的美国.doc

Unit Four Political Institution Define the following terms. Intolerable Acts Declaration of Independence Christopher Columbus Jamestown Emancipation Proclamation The Boston Tea Party Answer the following question. 1.Why did the Civil War break out? 2.What was the significance of the American War of Independence? Constitution— basic law Six principles: Federalism A vigorous executive A Supreme national court Checks and balances A limited government A mixed government Significance of the Constitution Taking precedence over all state constitutions and laws, and over laws made by the Congress; First of its kind in the world, it has inspired dozens of other countries to seek political reform. The Federal Government 梩he central government.s Three equal and separate branches： The Executive Branch The Legislative Branch The Judicial Branch They are checked and balanced by one another Law-making and the supreme legislative body； Two houses: the Senate the House of Representatives The Capitol is no longer opened to the public after the terror event on Sept. 11th, 2001. 100 voting members, two from each state; One杢hird of the senators are elected every two years for six-year terms, chosen by a direct election; Qualifications for being a senator: over 30 years old; a US citizen for at least 9 years; resident in the state from which he is elected 435 voting mfembers plus a non-voting representative from Puerto Rico, Cuba and the District of Columbia; The house elected every two years for two-year terms; State legislature divides each state into congressional districts, each district electing one Representative; Qualifications for being a representative: at least 25 years old; a US citizen for no less than 7 years. Function of Congress?passing laws for the Union; Either house may introduce legislation on any subject except the revenue bills which must originate in the House of Representatives The executive branch consists of 14 departments and many independent agenc