Tema 64

Theme Overview

• The Institutions of the United States of America

• The Constitution

• Territorial Organization

• The President

• Congress

• Political Parties and the Electoral System

Outline

1. Introduction

2. The Constitution of the Individual States

3. The Federal Constitution

   • 3.1. The Organization of the Legislative Power

   • 3.2. The Executive Department

   • 3.3. The Judicial Department

   • 3.4. Interstate Relations

   • 3.5. The Amending Process

4. The Legal System

   • 4.1. State’s Legal System

   • 4.2. Federal Legal System

   • 4.3. The Supreme Court

5. Political Parties and Elections

   • 5.1. The Republican Party

   • 5.2. The Democratic Party

   • 5.3. Choosing the Candidate

   • 5.4. Election of the President

   • 5.5. Elections for Congress

6. How the Government Works

   • 6.1. The Balance

   • 6.2. The President at Work

   • 6.3. Congress at Work

7. Conclusion

8. Bibliography

Introduction

• Emphasis on communicative competence linked to socio-cultural competence.

• Importance of motivating students to engage in reading.

The Constitution of the Individual States

• Post-independence, a desire for governance that upholds personal freedom from oppression.

• Efforts to maintain peace and unity post-Civil War.

• The establishment of state constitutions and a confederation for interstate relations and commerce.

• Constitution aimed to prevent abuse of power through a division among legislative, executive, and judicial branches.

• Early restrictions on voting rights, particularly for women.

The Federal Constitution

• Established in 1787, reflects core American ideals and has adapted over time.

• Legislative Power Organization: Congress is composed of House and Senate, responsible for law-making and various powers such as taxation and defense.

• Executive Department: Established indirect election of the President and defined powers, including military command and treaty-making.

• Judicial Department: Briefly defined; emphasizes the role of the Supreme Court and lower courts in federal law enforcement.

• Interstate Relations: Promotes cooperation and respect among states and mandates federal assistance.

• Amending Process: Details the challenging process of amending the Constitution, with initial rights outlined in the Bill of Rights.

The Legal System

• Dual system with separate state and federal jurisdictions.

• State’s Legal System: States govern local laws; cases of ordinary crimes are primarily handled by state courts.

• Federal Legal System: Covers federal issues and has an independent federal law enforcement framework, such as the FBI.

• The Supreme Court: Interpretative body ensuring constitutional rights; justices appointed for life and interpret laws variably based on their legal philosophy.

Political Parties and Elections

• Dominance of the Republican and Democratic parties with little competition from others.

• Historical roots of parties linked to civil rights movements and economic policy.

• Choosing Candidates: Primaries held for candidate selection; varying systems (closed vs. open) impact participation.

• Election of the President: Indirect process via an electoral college, where state electors formally elect the President. Important factors include state population-derived electoral votes.

• Congressional Elections: Regular elections for Congress every two years, majorities influence legislative decisions.

How the Government Works

• Unique balance of power, with potential for divided leadership between Congress and the Presidency.

• Significant presidential influence over policy despite constitutional limitations.

• Congress as a law-making entity, requiring cooperation across party lines and both houses for financial expenditure and legislative approval.

Conclusion

• Learning about the US governance structures aids in understanding American culture and civics.

Bibliography

• Key references include works focused on contemporary American society and its political structures.

**Theme Overview** The Institutions of the United States of America include the foundational legal framework established by the Constitution, drafted in 1787 and ratified in 1788. This document embodies the core values of democracy, liberty, and justice, having undergone 27 amendments that reflect changing societal norms and ideals. The United States consists of 50 states, each with its own constitution, governance structure, and laws. This reflects a federal system that balances power between federal and state governments, allowing for localized governance while adhering to overarching national principles. The President of the United States serves as the head of state and government, elected for a four-year term through an indirect electoral process that involves an Electoral College. This system complicates direct democracy but reinforces the role of states in the election process. The President possesses significant powers, including commanding the military, conducting foreign policy, and enforcing federal law. Congress is the legislative branch of the government and is comprised of two chambers: the Senate, with 100 members serving six-year terms, and the House of Representatives, which has 435 members serving two-year terms. This bicameral structure is vested with the authority to create laws, regulate commerce, control taxation, and declare war. Legislative processes typically require bipartisan cooperation, reflecting the diverse political ideologies of the American populace. American politics is characterized by a predominant two-party system, led by the Republican and Democratic parties. Each party possesses distinct ideological foundations regarding governance, economic policies, and social issues. The electoral system includes primaries, which can be closed or open, leading to general elections every two years and the unique Electoral College for presidential elections, emphasizing the complexities of American democracy. Following independence, states displayed a desire for civil governance that upholds individual freedoms and prevents oppression. Post-Civil War efforts focused on reconciliation and unity through the establishment of state constitutions that reflect rights and governance distinct from federal structures. The gradual expansion of voting rights, particularly following the Civil Rights Movement, underscores a broader commitment to democratic principles in American society. The Federal Constitution, besides creating a robust federal framework, emphasizes the separation of powers among the legislative, executive, and judicial branches to prevent tyranny. The amending process outlined in the Constitution is intentionally rigorous, requiring broad consensus to ensure that changes represent the national interest rather than transient political demands. The legal system in the United States is dual-layered, with state courts primarily handling local legal matters, especially in criminal and family law, while federal courts address issues of national significance or those crossing state lines. The Supreme Court serves as the apex body within the judicial system, interpreting laws and resolving constitutional disputes. Its decisions resonate significantly, impacting American law and societal norms. The historical evolution of political parties in the United States can be traced back to foundational debates surrounding federalism and individual rights. The process of selecting candidates, notably through primaries, shapes the electoral landscape and influences voter turnout as well as party allegiance. In summary, the interplay between the branches of government in the United States results in a dynamic, sometimes contentious, relationship that highlights the importance of checks and balances. The President holds considerable influence in initiating policies and conducting foreign relations; however, legislative approval is essential for sustaining governmental actions, creating opportunities for negotiation. Understanding the complexities of U.S. governance structures enriches citizens’ perspectives on their civic responsibilities and enhances their appreciation for democratic engagement in the political process. The bibliography comprises key literature on contemporary American society, illustrating the intricate balance between freedom and governance and emphasizing the importance of education and citizen engagement.