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