1. Analyzing Political Systems in North America
Harcourt SS Unit 4
Analyzing Political Systems in North America

2. Documents Mayflower Compact - a document signed by the pilgrims
The document stated that pilgrims could:
rule themselves (aka self- government)
vote for rules based on majority (majority rule - if more than half agreed to a law than all have to follow it.)

3. Documents
Declaration of Independence - a declaration to the King of England written before the American Revolution stating that the colonies were now independent from England
United States Constitution - a document written after the United States won the American Revolution
This document is known as the supreme law of our land and set up our federal system

4. Bill of Rights
Ten amendments added to the constitution in order to protect people’s freedoms
These rights are:
Freedom of speech, press, and religion
Right to have weapons
Government cannot make people house soldiers
Protects people against unfair searches
The 5-8 amendments protect due process of law
which means
people have a right to a fair trial and lawyer
also, people do not have to speak against themselves in court or other legal matters
Citizens have other rights that are not presented in the Constitution
Govt. only has the right to do things listed in the Constitution

5. Levels of Government
Each branch has its own job and powers so that one of the branches cannot take control of the government
This is called separation of powers
Separation of powers also allows for each section of the government to check the other branch and make certain that they operate correctly

6. Legislative Branch Legislative - branch that makes laws
Congress makes laws for the United States
Congress is made up of two houses
House of Representatives
435 seats based on population
2 year terms
Senate
2 seats per state
6 year terms

7. Executive Branch
Executive Branch has the power to enforce the laws passed by Congress
President leads the Executive Branch
4 year terms with 1 reelection
President’s duties include:
commander in chief of military
creates a plan for spending or budget
Vetoes bills he feels are not in the best interest of country

8. Judicial Judicial Branch - aka federal court system
Judicial Branch duties include:
hear the cases of people accused of federal crimes
decide if laws are being applied fairly and equally
United States Supreme Court is the highest court in the land
The President appoints new Supreme Court justices, but Congress must approve the President’s choice

9. State Governments
All state govt. have same 3 branches as federal govt.
All state constitutions are based on the US Constitution
Legislative Branch - makes state laws and approves state budget
Executive Branch - governor leads the branch, enforces laws, and prepares the state budget
Judicial Branch - consists of courts and judges that decide legal cases - state supreme court is the highest court in the state and some cases are decided by a jury

10. Local Governments
Many counties are run by county commissioners who make laws and decide the county budget
Cities also have their own govt. consisting of
legislative branch or city council
executive branch or mayor
judicial branch or city courts

11. Political Parties
political party - a group that tries to elect officials who will support its beliefs and policies
Main US political parties - Republican and Democratic Party
Political parties help organize people who think alike

12. Canadian Govt.
Parliamentary democracy - a government where voters elect members of the national legislature called parliament
Parliament then elects the prime minister or chief executive of the govt.
Parliament made up of two houses - House of Commons and Senate

13. Mexican Govt.
Government has three branches - executive, legislative, and judicial
Executive Branch has more power in Mexico than in the United States
Legislative Branch is known as General Congress
Two houses - Chamber of Senate and Chamber of Deputies