Transcript Democracy in the USA

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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?
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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?
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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
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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 freedomsPatriot Act, Guantanamo Bay Prison
Right to bear arms
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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
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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?
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Representation by population ( 435 members )
Representatives/Congressmen elected for 2
years
Laws-must be approved by both houses –
deadlock
Large states rule
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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?
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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?
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interprets government law and determines its
constitutionality (its “fit" with the Constitution)
Supreme Court - 9 members appointed for life
– very similar to Canada
Challenges?