英语国家概况美国篇课件.ppt

The district court ——lowest in federal judicial system the 50 states divided into 94 federal judicial districts each district has a district court its decisions can be reviewed by the court of appeals if necessary B. The state judicial system courts of law a police force a prison system All Courts’ Practice The jury system common law All the criminals are called suspects before sentencing The death penalty In June, 1972 the Supreme Court of the US declared capital punishment, or the death penalty, to be unconstitutional. In July, 1976 the Supreme Court declared the death penalty could be constitutional for crimes of murder in certain circumstances. But at the beginning of the year 1981, the state of California did not have laws permitting the death penalty. III. Political Parties A two-party system dominates the US the Democratic Party —— donkey the Republican Party —— elephant Democratic Party enjoys a long history Original members: labor, minorities progressive reformers End of 18th century, Jefferson’s supporters called themselves “Democratic Republicans” Their belief is to advocate popular government and to oppose monarchism The Party’s present name is adopted in 1830’s The leading party before the Civil War Republican Party Slavery-opposing northern capitalists First national convention held in Feb. 1856, on it the present party name is used In 1860, Lincoln, the Republican candidate, was elected President and the Civil War broke afterwards. Only since WWII, two parties have held the presidency in turn Political Posture Democratic: liberal Republican: conservative This difference in ideology displays on economic social issues foreign affairs Democrats The government plays an important role in the economy and emphasizes full employment as a matter of national concern Favor civil rights laws A strong social security system Less restrictive abortion R