Branches of Government and Federalism

Branches of Government

• The US federal government has three branches with distinct powers: legislative, executive, and judicial.
• The legislative branch (Congress) creates laws, composed of the House of Representatives and the Senate.
• The executive branch (President) enforces laws.
• The judicial branch (Supreme Court) interprets laws, ensuring alignment with the Constitution.

Federalism

• The US government structure is federal, dividing powers between national and state governments.
• Enumerated powers (given to federal government) include war declaration, money creation, and interstate commerce regulation.
• Reserved powers (given to states) include local government, licensing, and elections.
• Concurrent powers (shared by both) include taxation.

Constitutional Principles

• The US Constitution structures and limits government power.
• Key principles include popular sovereignty (government's power from the governed), republicanism (citizens elect representatives), separation of powers, checks and balances, judicial review, and federalism.

Citizen Participation

• Citizens are vital for government's function, participating through:
  • Voting: choosing representatives and expressing preferences.
  • Political activities: Joining groups, contacting officials, protesting.
  • Staying informed: Understanding current events and issues.
  • Jury duty: Participating in the judicial process.
• Civic engagement is essential for a healthy democracy.

Civil Liberties and Rights

• The Bill of Rights (first ten amendments) protects fundamental rights like speech, religion, press, bear arms, etc.
• The Fourteenth Amendment protects these rights from state encroachment.
• Due process and equal protection are key civil liberty principles.
• Legal precedents and debate continuously shape the interpretation and application of these rights and limitations.

The Electoral Process

• The presidential and congressional election processes vary by office and often involve state-level administration.
• Federal laws influence the process.
• The Electoral College is a unique US presidential election feature where electors, not voters directly, choose the president.
• State voter registration and election laws impact participation and access.

Political Parties and Interest Groups

• US political parties are coalitions with shared beliefs shaping candidates' nomination, campaigns, and legislation.
• Interest groups advocate for policies benefiting their members, employing lobbying, public campaigns, and campaign contributions to affect government decisions.

Political Ideologies

• Different ideologies (like liberalism, conservatism, and libertarianism) shape how people perceive the government's role and relationship with citizens.
• These ideologies sometimes overlap on specific issues

Public Policy Process

• Public policy involves creating, implementing, and evaluating government actions and programs.
• Policy-making includes various actors (legislative bodies, executive agencies, interest groups, and the public).
• Different policy-making models (e.g., incremental, rational) illustrate various approaches.