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? USA -a republic (all representatives are elected; no hereditary leaders) – WHY?
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?
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
Famous Democrats
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
Famous Republicans
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 party lines, 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
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?
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
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?
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?
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?