2. 2
A FEDERAL SYSTEM
OF GOVERNMENT
The Government of the USA is
based on the Constitution, a
document which was written in
1787.
It provides for a federal system in
which power is divided between
the states and the national, or
federal, government.
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3. 3
DIVISION OF POWERS
Federal government:
power to make peace or
war
to print money
to regulate trade
between the states.
States
justice (death penalty..)
education
marriage and divorce
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4. 4
U.S. POLITICAL PARTIES
The DEMOCRATIC Party
It is the oldest existing party, founded in
1830s. It is progressive and
liberal.
(Left wing) Symbol: Donkey
The REPUBLICAN Party
It is more conservative than the
Democratic Party. (Right wing)
Symbol: Elephant ChiaraSbarbada
5. 5
THE THREE BRANCHES
OF GOVERNMENT
EXECUTIVE B. (The President)
LEGISLATIVE B. (The Congress) JUDICIAL B. (Supreme Court)
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6. 6
THE EXECUTIVE POWER
The job of the Executive Branch is to make
sure that the laws of the nation are being
followed.
The White House, WashingtonChiaraSbarbada
7. 7
WHO IS IN THE EXECUTIVE
BRANCH?
The President
The Vice-President
The Executive Office
The Cabinet
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8. 8
THE PRESIDENT
BARACK OBAMA
(Democratic)
Approves the laws that
Congress creates.
Meets with the leaders of
other countries and can
make treaties with them.
Is technically the boss of
every government worker.
Commands the armed
forces.
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9. 9
A President of the U.S. Identity Card
Native – born American
Over 35 years old
Elected every 4 years (max 2
terms)
Works and live in the White
House
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10. 10
THE VICE PRESIDENT
JOE BIDEN
President of the
Senate
Becomes President if
the President can no
longer do the job.
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12. 12
THE EXECUTIVE OFFICE
There are several different departments that work
directly with the President:
The WHITE HOUSE OFFICE – They compose
speeches, give the President advice, decides who
gets to see him, take care of the White House.
The NATIONAL SECURITY COUNCIL – They
discuss foreign policy and military matters
And many others..
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13. 13
THE CABINET (15 departments)
The 15 Secretaries meet with and advise the
President regularly, like Italian Consiglio dei
Ministri.
The most important is the
SECRETARY OF STATE
who deals with
Foreign Affairs.
JOHN KERRY
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14. 14
THE THREE BRANCHES
OF GOVERNMENT
EXECUTIVE B. (The President)
LEGISLATIVE B. (The Congress) JUDICIAL B. (Supreme Court)
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17. 17
House of Representatives
435 members
Elected by the people every TWO years
Members must be 25 years old
Number of members based on population
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18. 18
The Senate
100 members ( 2 for each State )
Elected every 6 years
Members must be 30 years old
Every two years, one-third of the Senate
comes up for re-election, to mantain
stability.
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19. 19
THE THREE BRANCHES
OF GOVERNMENT
EXECUTIVE B. (The President)
LEGISLATIVE B. (The Congress) JUDICIAL B. (Supreme Court)
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20. 20
THE SUPREME COURT
It is the highest court in the nation, it is located in
Washington.
It is made up of 9 Justices, appointed by the
President and approved by the Senate.
Justices have their jobs for life, unless they resign,
retire, or are impeached.
The nine justicesChiaraSbarbada
22. 22
THE SUPREME COURT
Cases brought before this court for review come
from the lower FEDERAL COURTS.
Courts decide arguments about the meaning of
laws, how they are applied, and whether they
break the rules of the Constitution.
Once the Supreme Court makes a decision, it can
only be changed by another Supreme Court
decision or by “amending” the Constitution.
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