The US Government

1. The US Government

2. Aim: • Identify the main branches of the federal government and the part that they play in the US government. Success Criteria: • Identify the three main branches of government. • Explain the terms ‘ separation of power’ and ‘checks and balances’ • Describe the four main roles of the President.

3. The Constitution • The USA has a written constitution which was signed in 1789 – a set of rules which describes the way the government will work. • The American constitution tries to make sure no part of the government becomes too powerful. This is known as the ‘Separation of Powers’.

4. In 1791 the first amendments were made to the constitution. This was known as the Bill of Rights and was intended to protect people’s freedoms and rights. • 1st Amendment: freedom of religion, speech and the press, the right to peaceful assembly. • 2nd Amendment: the right keep and bear arms • 13th Amendment : abolished slavery (1865) • 18th Amendment: prohibited manufacture or sale of alcohol (1917 repealed in 1933)

5. The US Government • The job of government is split been federal and state government. • This is an example of the ‘separation of powers’. • Federal laws apply to the whole country but each state can pass its own laws in certain areas. • In the early days of the US nation this kept the states united but also gave each state some independence.

6. Federal Government There is one Federal Government based in Washington DC. It has: • President • Congress – made up of a Senate and a House of Representatives. • Supreme Court

7. US Federal Government Congress President Supreme Court Separation of Powers Power is shared equally between all three branches of government. Checks and Balances No single branch can impose its will Senate House of Representatives

8. The President Chief Legislator Proposes new laws or legislation to Congress. Can refuse to sign a bill – Presidential Veto. Congress can override the veto with a two-thirds majority. Commander-in-Chief Of the Armed Forces Head of national security. Commander of US military forces But only Congress has the power to declare war.

9. Chief Executive Responsible for the running of the government. Appoints people to key positions. Upholds decisions of Supreme Court. Head of State Chief public representative of the USA. Meets with other world leaders and negotiates treaties – have to be approved by Congress.

10. Congress • Senate • Two senators for each state - 100. • Elected for 6 years. • More concerned with foreign affairs • House of Representatives • Bigger states have more representatives – 435 in total • Elected for 2 years • More concerned with domestic (home) affairs.

11. Key Powers of Congress The President must have the approval of Congress To pass the Government budget (government spending) To pass a new law To declare war

12. The Supreme Court Highest court in America. Role is to uphold the constitution - new laws must be in agreement with the key ideas in the constitution. Nine Supreme Court judges in total. They are appointed for life.

13. The Supreme Court Supreme Court judges are appointed by the President and approved by Congress. Obama has appointed two Supreme Court judges – both of them are female. Some people argue that this was to make the court more representative of the US population.

14. In 2010 President Obama, managed to get a new healthcare law through Congress, which said that all Americans had to have health insurance. Many people did not like this and argued the government was interfering in people’s lives. The issue was referred to the Supreme Court and in 2012 they ruled 5-4 in favour of President Obama’s reforms. This shows that the Supreme Court still has a key role to play in US politics.

15. Federal and State Government Aim: Identify the main powers of the state and federal government. Success Criteria: By the end of the period you will be able to name three powers which the state and federal government have.

16. Federal Government There is one Federal Government based in Washington DC. It has: President Congress – made up of a Senate and a House of Representatives. Supreme Court

17. State Government • There are fifty state governments – one for each state. • Each state has a state flag. • Each state has a State Governor to run the state

18. Federal Government *Armed forces *US Economy *Economy *Foreign Relations *Postal Service Rick Scott State Governor of Florida State Government *Education *Gun Ownership *Local taxes *Capital Punishment *Age of consent The Supreme Court will make sure that both areas of government only make laws for the areas which they are responsible for

19. Task: Using the information on page 14 of your World Power textbook draw a diagram which shows: • The main powers of the state governments. • The main powers of the federal government.

20. Finally…How Does This Compare to the UK? • Remember we have a National Government in the UK Parliament which is headed by the Prime Minister • The Scottish Parliament like the US states can make laws about certain areas. • We do not have a written constitution, but we do have laws and rules which remind us how our government is run and organised.

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