American Government: Course Review

Known as the Constitutional Convention Met in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, during the summer of delegates from 12 states wrote the US Constitution The delegates abandoned the Articles of Confederation and created a stronger form of government. This new government included two legislative houses, the House of Representatives and the Senate; a powerful executive, the president; and a judicial body, the Supreme Court. Compromise was essential to the delegates’ deliberations.

Large and small states compromised over the form of representation. Southern and northern states compromised over the issue of slavery. By June 21, 1788, the Constitution had been ratified by nine states and went into effect. With the addition of 26 amendments since that time, it has remained the supreme law of the United States of America.

Federalists: Strong Central Government Authority derives from the people. In a new plan of government, the central government should be stronger than the states. Anti-Federalists: Strong States Authority derives from the states. Under a modified Articles of Confederation, the states should remain stronger than the central government

The Great Compromise Large States Virginia Plan Congress should be composed of two houses The number of delegates to both houses of Congress should be assigned according to population Small States New Jersey Plan A Congress of one house should be preserved Each state should have one vote Result: The Connecticut (Great) Compromise: Congress composed of two houses: Upper house (Senate) based on equal representation (all states have 2 Senators) (benefits small states) Lower house (House of Representatives) based on population (benefits small states)

3/5ths Compromise North Slaves should not be counted when deciding the number of congressional delegates Slaves should be counted when levying taxes South Slaves should be counted when determining congressional representation Slaves should not be counted when levying taxes Result: The 3/5ths Compromise: Slaves count as 3/5ths of a person for representation in the House and for taxation

Federalism

Powers delegated to Congress in Article I of the Constitution

Different roles of Senate & House

The Speaker of the House Presiding officer of the House & leader of the majority party. Presides over and keeps order in the House. Names the members of all select and conference committees Signs all bills and resolutions passed by the House. The President of the Senate The Vice President of the US Casts the tie-breaking vote Presides at State of the Unions The president pro tempore Leader of the majority party Elected from the Senate and serves in the Vice President’s absence (most of the time!)

The Floor Leaders Party officers picked for their posts by their party colleagues. Party Whips Assist the floor leaders and serve as a liaison between the party’s leadership and its rank-and-file members. Committee Chairmen Members who head the standing committees in each chamber of Congress. The chairman of each of these permanent committees is chosen from the majority party by the majority party caucus.

Citizens of the U.S. can participate in their government. This process insures that power will always remain where it belongs - with the people. Vote The most important right citizens have is the right to vote. By voting, the people have a voice in the government. The people decide who will represent them in the government. Before voting in an election, each citizen should be well informed about the issues and candidates. Jury Service The government may call upon citizens to serve on a jury. The members of the jury need to decide the case in as fair a way as they can.

Citizens of the U.S. can participate in their government. This process insures that power will always remain where it belongs - with the people. Obey the Laws Every person is expected to obey the laws of the community, state and country in which he or she lives. All Americans are expected to respect the rights of others. All persons living in the U.S. are expected to pay the income taxes and other taxes honestly and on time. Others: Pay Taxes Register for the Draft