The Development of the Government of the United States

Federalism and the Constitution  The power is divided between the state and national government.  The Constitution is the supreme law of the land. The Constitution

Separation of Powers  The power is divided between the Executive, Legislative, and Judicial Branch.  One branch does not have more power than the other. Balance of Power

Checks and Balances US Government Executive Branch Legislative Branch Judicial Branch  The Powers of government are divided equally, but each branch of power is able to check on the other. The Government is not able to abuse its power.

The Constitution- a contract between the people and its government  The Preamble-lists six goals for the government  Justice  Defense  Liberty  Unity  Peace  Posterity Constitution PeaceLibertyDefenseJusticeUnityPosterity

Amendment Process Proposing an amendment  Proposed by 2/3 vote from the Senate and House of Representatives.  A national convention requested by 2/3 of state legislature.

Amendment Process Ratifying an amendment (changing the Constitution)  ¾ of the state legislature needed to approve the amendment.  Ratified by specially called convention in at least ¾ of the states.

LEGISLATIVE BRANCH

Structure of Congress Congress Senate (100) US House of Representatives (435)

The House of Representatives Requirements  A rep. must be 25 yrs and citizen for 7yrs.  Each term is 2 years.  It is determined by the population of the state.  The census that takes place every ten years determines the population number.  Apportionment is the distribution of the number of representatives

The Senate Requirements  Each State has two Senators.  A Senator must be 30 years.  A resident for 9 years.  Term of Office is 6 years. CA. Sen. Barbara Boxer CA. Sen. Dianne Feinstein

Congressional Powers are delegated by the Constitution Delegated Powers Tax Powers Bankruptcy Powers Commerce Powers War Powers Copyright Powers Postal Service Weights & Measures Naturalization Process Currency Powers Borrowing Powers

Impeachment ( Nonlegislative Powers)  Impeachment Powers are to remove someone from office.  The Representatives need a majority to remove someone from power.  The Senate needs 2/3 vote to convict and to remove someone from office.

The Party Leadership  The head of the Senate is called President of the Senate. The position belongs to Vice-President. VP Joe Biden

The Party Leadership  The House of Representatives is led by the Speaker of the House.  Whoever is in power chooses the Speaker. Congressman John Boehner 2013 Speaker of the House

Executive Branch

Requirements for President  Natural born citizen  Lived in US for 14 years  Must be 35 years old President Barack Obama

Number Of Terms  Term of Office is 4 years  Maximum 2 terms Oval Office

Electoral College  President is chosen by Electoral College.  Electors are chosen by each state which is the total number of Representatives and Senators.

The White House  The president works from the Oval Office.  Chief of Staff directs the staff.  Personal Secretary  Chief Counsel advises on law.  Press Secretary releases info. to the press. The White House

The Cabinet  It is an advisory board that advises the president. Former Secretary Of State Hillary Clinton Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel

JUDICIAL BRANCH

FOUNDATION OF THE JUDICIAL SYSTEM  The courts receive their powers from the Constitution.  Federal judges and Supreme Court Justices serve for life.  Judges are appointed by the president and approved by The Senate.

Jurisdictions  The right to interpret and apply the law. Supreme Court Building

The Supreme Court  9 Justices and one is a Chief Justice  The Supreme Court is highest court of the land  They rule if the law is constitutional. Supreme Court Justices