The Political System of the United States of America Patrick LobsigerDaniel Wehrli Stefan Haag David Vidal Thomas Bührer 16 December 2004

Political System of the USAOverview Overview History Design of the political system Elections and Voting Conclusions Discussion  Slides on

History

Political System of the USAHistory 1492: Christopher Columbus –Spain discovers America 1542: Spain retreats from parts of North America 1620: „Mayflower“ –establishing a „better England“ –Pilgrims: „the chosen people“ –„Mayflower Compact“

Political System of the USAHistory from 1763: restrictions and taxes imposed by England from 1768: revolts and insurgiencies - boycott of english goods 1773: „Boston Tea Party“ 1774: first continental congress

Political System of the USAHistory 1775: second continental congress : „war of independence“ 4th July 1776: declaration of independence 1787: Common constitution 1789: 1 st U.S. President George Washington - He resigned in : „Monroe-Doctrine“

Political System of the USAHistory 1860: 16 th President Abraham Lincoln –„Confederate States of America“ : Civil war (north vs south) 1898: Battleship „Maine“ sunk near Cuba

Design of the Political System

Political System of the USADesign / Overview Overview U.S. Government The Constitution The Legislative Branch The Executive Branch The Judicial Branch

Political System of the USADesign / Government U.S. Government Federal Union 50 states District of Columbia as seat of fed. government

Political System of the USADesign / Government U.S. Government Two (main) parties: Democratic Party –founded by Thomas Jefferson –Before 1800 –Liberal (Socialists) Republican Party –Founded by Abraham Lincoln –In the 1850s –Conservative

Political System of the USADesign / Constitution

The Constitution 1787 (oldest constitution still in force) 7 articles, 27 amendments Divides the power into three branches Limits the powers of each branch (checks and balances)

Political System of the USADesign / Constitution The Bill of Rights First 10 amendments to the Constitution 1.Freedom of religion, speech and press 2.Right to keep and bear arms 3.Right not to have soldiers quartered in peace 4.Right to be secure against “unreasonable searches” Etc.

Political System of the USADesign Executive Branch -> President Legislative Branch House of Representatives Senate -> Vice Judicial Branch Overview

Political System of the USADesign / Legislative The legislative branch Reasons: –Historical –Compromise The Congress House of Representatives The Senate

Political System of the USADesign / Legislative The legislative branch Senate –100 members –2 representatives of every state (not Columbia) –Every two years, 1/3 is replaced –Headed by Vice President House of Representatives –435 members –Elected every two years

Political System of the USADesign / Legislative The legislative branch Every law has to pass House and Senate Acts as a counterbalance to the president Federal laws Declare war Foreign treaties

Political System of the USADesign / Executive The executive branch The President Councils / Offices (Secretaries) The Vice

Political System of the USADesign / Executive The executive branch President - National policy - Veto - Commander-in-chief of armed forces Vice President - Replaces the President in case of death - Head of Senate

Political System of the USADesign / Judicial The judicial branch Headed by U.S. Supreme Court 13 federal courts of appeals 95 federal district courts Every state separate has its own Supreme Court –Death penalty

Elections and Voting

Political System of the USAElections and Voting The four stages of the President Election: 1.the prenomination phase 2.the national conventions 3.the general election campaign 4.the electoral college phase

Political System of the USAElections and Voting Supreme Court President Vice President (voted for 4 Years) Government People Congress Senat (voted for 6 Years) House of Representatitves (voted for 2 Years Executive Legislative Surveille of the constitutionality Electorals elect nominates (upon approval by the Senat)

Political System of the USAElections and Voting

Conclusions

Political System of the USAConclusions Conclusions Strengths and weaknesses of the US-system Future impacts on the political system Discussion

Political System of the USAConclusions / Strengths Strengths free market economy / free trade “Equal chances“  good performance – good live “Country with the limitless possibilities“ Innovative country (Reaserch, Inventions, etc.) Economic growth  Lots of strengths concerning market economy

Political System of the USAConclusions / Weaknesses Weaknesses Social welfare system Just two big parties  no diversity in ideology Strong involved medias in the political fights Expensive election campaign Strong lobbying  election campaign & decision making “Electoral College“  antiquated voting system Rejection of international laws, contracts, associations  Weaknesses in social responsiblity

Political System of the USAConclusions / Future Future impacts on the political system Immigration of Hispanics and Asians –Increasing electorate Focussing on South America and Asia – Europe? Importance of religion Development of relationship between Europe and USA Impacts of the war in iraq  government deficit

Discussion

Political System of the USADiscussion

Some Trade-offs to discuss free market economy  social welfare system Strong security  low restrictions in keeping arms

Political System of the USADiscussion Discussion What do you think about the article in the constitution: –Right to keep and bear arms What do you think about the Patriot Act? What do you think are the reasons for the USA to intervene military in iraq? Is George W. Bush a bad president?

Political System of the USADiscussion Questions???

Thank you for your attention