Notes on U.S. Government Structure and Function

BUPMAF Overview

  • BUPMAF stands for a focus on various aspects of U.S. Government and Politics. It appears to include a high-level overview of key terms and concepts necessary for understanding the structure and function of government.

Accessibility of Resources

  • Importance of accessibility in understanding governmental structure.

Legislative Branch Structure and Function

  • Congress includes two houses: the House of Representatives and the Senate.
    • House of Representatives
    • Composed of members who represent districts; larger representation based on population.
    • Has specific powers, including revenue-related bills.
    • Senate
    • Composed of two senators from each state, serving longer terms.
    • Confirm appointments, ratify treaties.
  • Majority/Minority Leaders facilitate legislative agendas in both houses.
  • Committee System: Specialized groups that draft, review, and modify proposed legislation, divided by areas of expertise.
  • Filibuster: A tactic used in the Senate to delay proceedings on legislation.

Spending Types

  • Mandatory Spending: Required by existing laws (e.g., Social Security, Medicare).
  • Discretionary Spending: Subject to annual appropriations decisions by Congress.

Powers of the Government

  • Formal/Expressed Powers: Specifically listed powers in the Constitution for each branch of government.
  • Inherent Powers: Powers not explicitly mentioned but are necessary for the government to function (e.g., conducting foreign policy).

Foreign Policy

  • Encompasses the strategies and decisions made regarding international relations and agreements.

State of the Union Address

  • An annual event where the President addresses Congress to outline the administration's priorities and accomplishments.

Executive Powers

  • Commander-In-Chief: President's role as the head of the armed forces.
  • Executive Orders: Directives issued by the President to manage operations of the federal government.
  • Pardon: Presidential power to forgive a person of a crime, erasing repercussions.
  • Veto: President's power to reject legislation passed by Congress.

Electoral College

  • Mechanism by which the President of the United States is elected; includes electors from each state.
  • Faithless elector: An elector who does not cast their vote for the candidate they pledged to support.

Cabinet and Bureaucracy

  • Cabinet: A group of the President's closest advisors, usually heads of executive departments.
  • Bureaucracy: Characterized by hierarchies and specialized agencies that implement and enforce federal laws.

Judicial Branch

  • Role of the Supreme Court: Final court of appeal; interprets the Constitution and federal law.
  • Marbury v Madison: Established Judicial Review, the power of courts to declare laws unconstitutional.
  • Plaintiff: The party bringing a legal suit.
  • Defendant: The party being accused or sued.
  • Precedent: A legal decision that serves as an authoritative rule for future cases.

American Court System Structure

  • Distinction between criminal and civil courts, handling different types of cases:
    • Criminal Court: Deals with violations of the law, prosecuting individuals charged with crimes.
    • Civil Court: Handles disputes between individuals or organizations, usually involving money or grievance.
  • District Courts: Serve as general trial courts within the federal system.
  • Appeals Courts: Deal with appeals from district courts, not holding trials but reviewing case records.
  • State vs Federal Courts: Different jurisdictions with specific powers defined by law.

Legislative Process

  • Bill to Law Process: 1. Introduction; 2. Committee review; 3. Floor debate; 4. Vote; 5. Presidential action (sign, veto, or allow to become law through inaction).
  • Different ways a bill can be killed include: committee rejection, floor vote defeat, or presidential veto.

Powers of the Executive Branch

  • Formal Powers: Actions explicitly authorized by the Constitution, such as vetoes or appointment powers.
  • Implied Powers: Powers inferred from the Constitution; allow the President flexibility in governing.

Presidential Power Expansion

  • Historical context of presidential power growth and its implications on checks and balances of government.
  • Discussion on whether this expansion serves the benefits of society or undermines democracy.

Impact of the Electoral College

  • Evaluate how the electoral process affects democracy, including discussions on representation and voter influence.

Bureaucratic Relationship with Government

  • The role of bureaucratic agencies and departments in executing and enforcing laws passed by Congress.
  • Importance of these organizations in regulating parts of the economy, providing essential services, and ensuring compliance with laws.