US 3 Branches of Gov
The US Constitution provides the federal judges be appointed for
Life primarily to protect judicial decision making from the influence of political pressure
Supreme Court unterorets
The constitution
House of Reps
2 yr terms, unlimited terms
Senate
2 each state (100 total) • 6 year term unlimited terms • 17th amendment: direct election
Special Powers of House
Initiate revenue bills The writers of the Constitution included the provision "All bills for raising revenue shall originate in the House of Representatives;..." gave citizens more influence over taxation issues Impeach the president and other government officials
Census
Population count done by US Government every 10 years Determines the distribution of Congressional representatives for each State (ie more people=more Reps in house)
Lobbying
The main purpose of lobbying is to influence legislation on behalf id special-interest groups Ex. Several environmental groups try to persuade members of Congress to vote for the Clean Air Act
Has called for the proposal that the president should be
chosen by a direct popular vote
In 1790, the first census of the United States was taken in order to
determine each state's representation in Congress
Based on the United States Constitution, the census helps to
determine the number of electoral votes assigned to each state
Campaign contributions
form special interest groups and PACs have tremendous impact Attempts to limit contributions have not been very successful
High campaign costs have
negatively affected the political process (at all levels - national, state, and local)
Political leaders adapt to
new forms of media to communicate with voters
A president may be elected without
receiving the majority of the largest number of popular vote
A valid generalization about presidential elections since 1960 is that
that candidates have used new forms of mass media to reach voters
To win a presidential election the candidate must
win a majority of the electoral college: 270
Special Powers of Senate
Approve treaties by 2/3 vote Approve presidential appointments to the federal branch and high level positions Filibuster: a technique used by US senators to block the passage of bills
Presidential powers
Chief Diplomat : negotiate treaties Extend or withdraw diplomatic recognition Woodrow Wilson represents the US at Versalles Jimmy Carter negotiates the Camp David Accords Ronald Regan meets with Soviet President Gorbachev
Legislative Topics
Committee system used fir legislation Developed out of custom and practices = unwritten constitution
Head of the Party: Obama-Dem. leader.
Ex of unwritten constitution that resulted from practice and custom rather than constitutional authority