Democracy in the USA

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?

What is it based on?

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?

Montesquieu

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

Democrats - principles

Famous Democrats

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

Republicans - principles

Famous Republicans

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

Legislative Branch - Congress

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?

 

Senate

Representation by population ( 435 members ) Representatives/Congressmen elected for 2

years Laws-must be approved by both houses –

deadlock Large states rule

House of Representatives

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?

Executive Branch

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?

Cabinet

interprets government law and determines its constitutionality (its “fit" with the Constitution)

Supreme Court - 9 members appointed for life – very similar to Canada

Challenges?

Judicial Branch