1. Is the President the most powerful figure in the USA?

2. Or? Potentially a lame duck?

3. The Constitution The Constitution was written in 1787 It explains the rights that all Americans have and how the country is governed. Separation of Powers and Checks and Balances are crucial. The first 10 amendments are known as the Bill of Rights. Famous amendments include the 2 nd (guns) and 5 th (right to remain silent) Very difficult to change. The defining document of American politics

4. The US System of Government The USA is a Federal Democracy born of the twin Ideas of Federalism and Democracy Federalism is where there is a central government to give unity and strength To a country whilst allowing a large measure of independence to Individual states in running their own affairs. Democracy is the ideology which allows people freedom of speech, thought and equality of opportunity

5. Separation of Powers/Checks and Balances http://www.bbc.co.uk/scotland/education/ms/usa/index.shtml

6. 4 years 2 years 6 years Life

7. Presidential Power Chief Executive Commander-in-Chief of Armed Forces Negotiates treaties Chief planner of public policy Appoints Supreme Court justices, ambassadors, executive officers, cabinet secretaries Can veto acts of Congress (Child healthcare) Executive orders override the lawbooks Offers huge patronage among the political establishment Popularity makes him almost untouchable in people’s eyes (Imperial Presidency)

8. Presidential Limitations Only Congress can declare war Congress must agree the Federal budget (no budget – no power) Congress passes Constitutional amendments Congress can override veto with a ‘supermajority’ Congress can impeach and convict a President Congress ratifies treaties Congress confirms Presidential nominations (John Bolton) Separate elections to the President Many areas are not Federal issues

9. Supreme Court Judicial review – declares laws unconstituonal (null and void) Job for life All legal matters in the U.S. subject to SC rulings SC responsible for the social changes in the U.S. Abortion, racial segregation, school prayer, Bush win in 2000, gave right of appeal to Guantanamo inmates. Gay marriage the next battleground?

10. Mid-Term elections 2006 Republicans lost control of both Houses. Iraq, incompetence and corruption all factors. Votes against Republicans, not for Democrats Nancy Pelosi the new Majority leader. Congress was able to block almost all Bush proposals. Effectively made Bush a ‘lame-duck’ President.

11. Patronage?

12. Any thoughts?