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American Government: Principles, Structure, and Political Parties

Discover the foundational ideals upon which America rests, the structure of its government, and the dynamics of its political parties. Learn about the Declaration of Independence, the US Constitution, the three branches of government, and the differences between Democrats and Republicans. Unravel the principles of democracy, liberty, and equality that shape American governance. Explore the powers and functions of the legislative, executive, and judicial branches, and delve into the contrasting philosophies of major political parties in the USA.

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American Government: Principles, Structure, and Political Parties

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  1. An Overview of the American Government Current Issues – Libertyville HS

  2. First Principles • What are the ideals upon which America rests? • Democracy • Liberty / Freedom • Equality • Capitalism • Majority rule • … and many more • Where do we get these ideals from?

  3. Foundation of American Government • Declaration of Independence • Read the first two paragraphs • Principles contained in the document? • Why was this such a radical document for its time? • Laid out principles of governance • Gave justification for overthrowing any government • Not a monarchy!

  4. Foundation of American Government • US Constitution • “Grand experiment in democracy” • First government in history to be set up based on a piece of paper • Principles of US Constitution • Popular sovereignty • Limited government • Separation of powers • Checks and balances • Federalism • Judicial Review

  5. Structure of American Government • Three branches • Executive • Legislative • Judicial • Before looking at each branch, which do you think is … • the most powerful? • The most important? • The most representative?

  6. Legislative Branch • What does it do? • Makes the laws • How a bill becomes a law • Who runs it? • House (435 members): Speaker of the House • Senate (100 members): Majority Leader (President pro tempore) • Basis in Constitution? • Article I lays out powers of both chambers (examples of Congress, House, Senate)

  7. The Executive Branch • What does it do? • Enforce the laws • When you think of “the Government”, the Executive Branch is it! • Who runs it? • President • Bureaucracy (agencies, departments, etc) • Basis in Constitution? • Article II lays out powers of President (examples)

  8. Judicial Branch • What does it do? • Interpret the laws • Judicial Review • Who runs it? • US Supreme Court = 1 chief justice, 8 associate justices • Appellate courts • District courts (lowest level) • Basis in Constitution? • Article III • Only the USSC was created in Constitution; all other courts created by Congress

  9. Federalism • Idea that local issues should be handled by local government • Why? • Closest to the problem • Big country, lots of differences between states • National issues handled by national government • “Floor” and “Ceiling” effect of national lawmaking

  10. Political Parties • Not anticipated by founding fathers • Not provided for in Declaration, Constitution • Came about shortly after founding (Federalists / Anti-Federalists) • Today, two major parties • Democrats • Republicans • Third Parties exist, too (examples?)

  11. Differences Between Political Parties Democrats (Liberals) Republicans (Conservatives) Basic philosophy: Government should be limited to allow individuals the ability to do best for themselves Emphasis on individual innovation, free market principles Foreign relations: unilateral action ok; skeptical of multi-national efforts • Basic philosophy: Government is a positive force, to improve people’s lives • Emphasis on protecting poor & vulnerable in society, gov’t regulation of marketplace • Foreign relations: preference towards multi-lateral (coalition) actions, skeptical of unilateral (go it alone) efforts

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