United States Government

The Government of The United States is based on a written constitution and is the supreme law of the landThe U.S. Constitution and State Constitutions set up the federal and state governments Amend – make a change or addition to the constitutionThree branches of governement – Legislative, Executive, Judicial

Three Branches of Government

The Executive Branch

The Largest Branch and is headed by the President

Principles of the Constitution

• Popular Sovereignty means that government is based on the will of the people through voting

• Separation of powers-power is shared by the different branches of government* Executive Branch enforces the law* Legislative Branch creates the law* Judicial Branch interprets the lawAll Branches of government work together to make the government to function effectivelyChecks and Balances-Each branch checks on the other* President can veto a law passed by legislation* Judicial branch can declare a law unconstitutional* Legislative branch can override a veto

Federalism

The concept of federalism means that citizens must answer to two governments at the same timeCitizens are under the National and State GovernmentsThis concept helps divide the power not allowing the National government to gain too much power.The biggest shift in power from states giving up power was during the great depression 1920’sThere are three levels of government: National, State, and LocalAll three levels share powers and have independent powers.Ex. The right to privacy is not specifically mentioned in The U.S. Constitution but it is included in state constitutions

Federalism?

Citizens living under 2 Governments that share power!

CitizenshipThe 1st step for a citizen to become involved in politics is to become informedThe most significant form of citizen participation is Voting!To Vote in The United States you must be at least 18 years old and a citizen of the state and countyMust be a legal resident of the state and county in which the voter registers.The most visible activity in our democratic government is an electionAmericans can also become involved by 1. Joining a political party 2. Gives campaign donations 3. joins interest groupRights and Responsibilities – Jury Duty, paying taxes, and voting

Democracy and

Public policy-Government goal with a plan to achieve itRepresentative Democracy- representatives are elected to make government decisions for the citizensDirect Democracy is when voters are allowed to make a policy decision themselves through voting.EX. Amendments to the Georgia Constitution have to be approved by majority in the general election

Political Parties

Political party-A political organization that seeks to influence public policy by electing members to gov. officeMember share common beliefs and ideals about the role of Government in daily lives what policies governments should supportPolitical parties can raise funds for candidatesIn The United States , there are two major political parties…1. Democrats 2. RepublicansIndependent- Not connected to a party

Elections

The general election is when citizens vote for a representative at the national, and state, and local levelPrimary election take place so voters can nominate a candidate for the November election

Caucus-Meeting of party leaders

After an election, the total number of votes are counted and given to The Georgia Secretary of State…he/she is the chief election official