英美政体英文比较.ppt

1、US Political System,The Basis,The government of the United States is based on awritten constitution, which is the shortest in the world. From this document, the entire federal government was created. It is a living document whose interpretation has changed over time. When necessary, US citizens are

2、able to make amendments to the constitution.,Bill of Rights,The Bill of Rightsconsists of the ten amendments added to the Constitution in 1791. The EnglishBill of Rights (1689)was an inspiration for the American Bill of Rights. Both requirejury trials, include aright to keep and bear arms, and forbi

3、dcruel and unusual punishments.“,Seven Articles,The seven articles of the constitution cover the following areas: Legislative power Executive power Judicial power States powers and limits Amendments Federal power Ratification,Legislative Power,Article One describes theCongress, thelegislative branch

4、of the federal government. Thishas two co-equal houses: theHouse of Representativesto represent the people, and the Senateto represent the States. This is known as Representative Democracy.,Executive Power,Article two creates thepresidency. Executive power is vested in a President. The presidential

5、term is fixed at four years. A President can only serve for two terms. The method of electing the President is set out in the Twelfth Amendment.,Judicial Power,Article Three describes thecourt system(thejudicial branch. The article establishes the Supreme Court. Congress can create lower courts, who

6、se judgments and orders can be reviewed by the Supreme Court. Article Three also creates the right totrial by juryin all criminal cases and defines the crime oftreason.,States Powers the House of Representatives, and the Senate. Either house can make laws and the President can also propose new laws.

7、 The senate and the House are both elected.,House of Representatives,The House consists of 435 members. Each of whom for a two-year term. House seats are based on the population of individual States Normally a House constituency would represent around 500,000 people.,The Senate,Each state has two Se

8、nators, regardless of population, and, since there are 50 states, then there are 100 senators. Each Senator serves for six years Senate Elections are held in November in even numbered years. Only one-third of the Senate seats are up for election in any one year.,The Supreme Court,The Supreme Court i

9、s the highest court in the United States. It can declare any law or executive action as unconstitutional, and therefore not allowed. The Supreme Court has a much more political role than the highest courts of European democracies. It consists of nine Justices led by a Chief Justice. They have equal

10、weight when voting on a case.,Irony,The Justices are nominated by the President and confirmed with the advice and consent of the Senate. They serve for life and can be removed only by resignation or by impeachment. It is one of the many ironies of the American political system that an unelected and

11、unaccountable body like the Supreme Court can exercise so much political power.,Executive Branch,This is the President and those he appoints to assist him. The President is both the head of state and the head of government, as well as the military commander-in-chief and chief diplomat. The executive

12、 branch of the federal government, a vast organisation numbering about 4 million people.,Limited Presidential Powers,The President may sign or veto legislation passed by Congress and has the power to recommend measures to Congress. The Congress may override a presidential veto but only by a two-thir

13、ds majority in each house.,Presidential Elections,The President is elected for a fixed term of four years and may serve a maximum of two terms. Elections are always held on the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November. The President is not elected directly by the voters but by an Electoral C

14、ollege representing each State.,Impeachment,The President may be impeached by a majority in the House and removed from office by a two-thirds majority in the Senate for treason, bribery, or other high crimes and misdemeanours. Presidents Andrew Johnson and Bill Clinton were impeached by the U.S. Hou

15、se of Representatives, but acquitted by the Senate. Richard Nixon resigned before he could be impeached.,State Government,State governmentshave the power to make laws on all subjects that are not granted to the federal government Constitution. These includeeducation,family law,contract law, and most

16、crimes.,Checks and Balances,This phrase refers to the way in which the three government branches are balanced so that no single branch can become too powerful. It is a very important aspect of the United States Political system and sets it apart from the UK system. The checks ensure that any mistake

17、s committed by one branch can be picked up and rectified by another.,Party Politics,A political party can be formed by any group of people who share a political or social ideology. When members of a political party gain a majority on Congress, they have great power to influence the governance of the country and shape its development. Presidents normally appoint members of their own party to important posts in government.,Two Party System,Today th