American Political Structure Checks and Balances

Canada’s Parliamentary System

American Political Structure Checks and Balances Canada’s Parliamentary System

What do these animals represent to you? Humble Smart Courageous lovable Humble Smart Courageous lovable

Centre Left Democratic Party Voice of American Liberalism in 19 th century. Supported farmers, workers, and small businesses Called for the end of privileges to special groups such as plantation owners, large factory owners. Protection of industry from foreign competition 30’s became the political party of the poor, and powerless Minority rights 1980’s & 90’s popularity of party saw a retreat from social programs

Centre Right Republican Party Voice of American Conservatism Stress patriotism, national expansion, limited government involvement in the economy, high tariffs, neutrality and non- involvement in foreign politics emphasize: traditional values,family, community, & religion Stricter interpretation of the constitution and individual rights, right to bear arms, liberty, fair trial dominate the party in the 1980’s Regan emphasized religion, morality, smaller gov., lower taxes. 1990’s national security, and law and order were the focus. Supporters tend to be professionals, business people, skilled workers. about-obama.html about-obama.html

Socialist party Early 1900’s – 1990’s people were turned off 1990 – present, there is a small amount of growing interest. Independents Some voters do not believe in any party and may look to an independent – Ross Perot % of pop. Vote %

Republican Democracy A Republican democracy is a republic which has democratic forms of government. One of the key principles is free and open debate prior to casting a vote. The United States of America is a Democratic Republic. A republic in the modern understanding is a nation or state where the people are sovereign. It is not a monarchy, where the king or queen is the head of state.

Electing a president video clip

☆ an assembly elected by the voters to perform the formal duty of electing the president and the vice president of the United States: the electors of each state, equal in number to its members in Congress, are expected to cast their votes for the candidates selected by the popular vote in their state ( 270 ) Electoral CollegeElectoral College link

Structure of American Government Executive (president) Head of State Great foreign dignitaries Concluding foreign treaties Annual State of the Union Commander-in-chief of the armed forces Calling special session of Congress Proclamations of holidays Head of Government Appointing the cabinet Signing into law bills Proposing polices for approval by congress In contrast to Canadian parliament president is not a member of the legislative branch

Legislative (congress) Bicameral (two-chambers) SenateHouse of Representatives 6 year term 2 yrs, 1/3 elected Initiate legislation Modify or reject legislation Ratifies foreign treaties made the president Remove the president - impeachment 2 yr. Term Initiate money bills Power to elect the president when no candidate receives a majority vote Impeach the president

Critique of Contemporary Democracy Majority Tyranny: All democracies relying on majority rule have the potential to degenerate into majority tyranny. Political rights and civil liberties of minority groups and dissenters are not respected by the majority. To counter this you need: – presence of a strong effective opposition – A free press – Independent judiciary

Lobbying by Interest Groups Interest Groups: try to influence the government by LOBBYING. The governments ( MP,s ) will be under pressure by medical groups, oil companies and environmental groups. There is a need to safeguard the rights of minorities. Risk of the wealthy influencing the choice of candidates, the outcomes of elections, and the legislative direction of the government. Ordinary people may be prevented from running for office. Laws of disclosure are helping to deal with this.

Lobby Groups Pressure groups and Lobbyist work quietly within the government bureaucracy behind closed doors private organizations spend millions to get their particular concern or viewpoint heard by important MP’s or civil servants Lobby groups represent unions, business groups, or farmers

Lobbying by Interest Groups Interest Groups: try to influence the government by LOBBYING. The governments ( MP,s ) will be under pressure by medical groups, oil companies and environmental groups. There is a need to safeguard the rights of minorities.

Political Apathy Major threat to democracy Difficult to be focused on abstract and distant political issues Democracy is strengthened by broad participation of an informed public.

Inefficiency and political deadlock Decision making in democracy requires considerable time for debate and discussion of issues. Serious issues are not always dealt with quickly and efficiently. Consultation and the views of many people must be considered. Wars and insurrections are usually dealt with in a timely fashion.