Introduction to American Government

American Government An IntroductionGovernment Why do we have government?Government Why do we have government? To protect citizens. To provide services for citizens.Government Why do we have government? To protect citizens. To provide services for citizens. Any other reasons?U.S. Government The United States is a democracy. It is a republic, not a direct democracy. What are the differences?A Republic A republic is a representative form of government. Citizens elect others to represent them.Representative Democracy Representatives include mayors, town and city managers, governors, representatives, senators, and the President of the United States. Why do we have a representative democracy?Representative Democracy Why do we have a representative democracy? Population. Thousands of people cannot debate an issue effectively. Imagine thousands of people in a hall arguing an issue!Representative Democracy Representatives vote, in theory, the opinions of the people they represent.Direct Democracy In a direct democracy, each person can argue issues affecting their community and vote their choice. Small towns still have this form of government.Direct Democracy The town's residents go to the town meeting, debate, and vote on the issues. However, this form of government is dying because residents are not interested.Direct Democracy Can the Internet make a direct democracy possible?Types of Governments A democracy is one form of government. Other types include: autocracy oligarchy theocracy parliamentTypes of Governments autocracy one ruler with unlimited or all the power. dictator (dictatorship), king/queen (monarchy). oligarchy theocracy parliamentary systemTypes of Governments autocracy one ruler with unlimited or all the power dictator (dictatorship), king/queen (monarchy) oligarchy a form of government where a few people are in charge military leaders, rich land ownersTypes of Governments theocracy a government run by religious leaders parliamentary system Having the supreme executive and legislative power resting with a cabinet of ministers chosen from, and responsible to a parliament. -en. wiktionary.org/wiki/parliamentaryThe Constitution The Constitution is the defining document of the United States. It defines the structure of the U.S. government.3 Branches of Government The Constitution defines the government into 3 branches. Legislature Executive JudicialLegislative Branch House of Representatives Senate Makes the lawsHouse of Representatives The number of representatives a state has is defined by its population. Small states have less representatives; large states have more representatives. Representatives have a two-year term of office.The Senate Each state has 2 senators. Small and large states have the same amount of senators. Senators have a six-year term of office.Executive Branch President Cabinet Enforces the laws. The President has a four-year term of office.Judicial Branch Supreme Court Interprets the laws. Judges serve for life. Highest authority of the United States.The Constitution "We The People of the United States in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessing of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America."