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Democracy in the USA

Democracy in the USA. What is it based on?. Congressional or Presidential Democracy (Key Term: Checks and balances ) – everything that occurs in the US must be ratified by another institution of the government – examples?

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Democracy in the USA

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  1. Democracy in the USA

  2. What is it based on? • Congressional or Presidential Democracy • (Key Term: Checks and balances) – everything that occurs in the US must be ratified by another institution of the government – examples? • USA -a republic (all representatives are elected; no hereditary leaders) – WHY?

  3. Montesquieu • power clearly divided/separated among the three branches so that no one can be too powerful and have too much control over the entire government (Canada's branches are not so separate ) • WHY?

  4. Democrats - principles • Environmentalism • Social (Modern liberalism • Enhanced freedoms • universal health care • Strong support from youth, working class, African Americans • Support unions • Forward thinking in science (stem cell research) • Gun control

  5. Famous Democrats

  6. Republicans - principles • Free market economics • Fiscal conservatives • Increase personal responsibility over welfare • Conservative -issues? • Advocate greater powers at the state level • Pro life (generally) • Greater support from business, educated middle class, white families, older citizens • Criticized fro limited individual freedoms-Patriot Act, Guantanamo Bay Prison • Right to bear arms

  7. Famous Republicans

  8. Legislative Branch - Congress • representatives from each state -ensures the regions [States] have a strong voice in the legislature of the Federal government • 2 houses: Senate and House of Representatives - where bills are passed into law (if signed by President) • both houses can initiate money matter bills • weak party discipline -voting in Congress does not follow partylines, because there is no responsible government and no votes of confidence (this frees reps to vote for the best interests of their state) • President is responsible for operations of government, but must rely on Congress for funding ($$) needed to operate government

  9. Senate • different from Canada; powerful and effective(can be stronger than H.O.R.) • two Senators per state (=100), thus each state is equal here – WHO BENEFITS? • term of office one third elected every year (thus more stable than House of Representatives) WHY?

  10. House of Representatives • Representation by population ( 435 members ) • Representatives/Congressmen elected for 2 years • Laws-must be approved by both houses – deadlock • Large states rule

  11. Executive Branch • not a part of the legislative branch; unlike Canada) • President • Chief Executive Officer of USA; Head of State, Head of Government • not a member of Congress (therefore, not responsible to it) • term: 4 years • re-election – once • Veto • What is the President’s job?

  12. Cabinet • appointed by President • not members of Congress (thus not responsible to it); are not elected • proposes legislation to President • similar function to Canada's Cabinet • Who can be a member of the cabinet? • Experts versus decision makers – BETTER?

  13. Judicial Branch • interprets government law and determines its constitutionality (its “fit" with the Constitution) • Supreme Court - 9 members appointed for life – very similar to Canada • Challenges?

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