Unit 2 - Know Your Role: Federalism a love story Key Concept: Form Related Concepts: Authority and Cooperation Global Context: Identities and Relationships Statement of Inquiry Federalism is a form of government authority established through a series of relationships and cooperation. Criterions Assessed: A-Knowledge and Understanding, C-Communication Summative Assignment: A-Exam, C-Situational global skits with Federalism What is federalism- (updated).mp4
FEDERALISM Federalism System of Government in which the Federal (National, Central) Government shares power with the states. Powers Enumerated (Federal) Reserved (States) Concurrent (Shared by both) F C S USA State and Federal Powers.mp4 Separation of Power Dividing powers between 3 Branches of Government. Branches Legislative Makes Laws Executive Enforces Laws Judicial Interprets Laws Checks & Balances Powers given to each branch over the other 2 branches (checks) to balance the power & protect citizen s rights.
Checks and Balances Constitution Lesson for Kids - Schoolhouse Rock.mp4
LEGISLATIVE BRANCH - CONGRESS CONGRESSIONAL TERMS both houses combined (House and Senate) 2 Years in Length Currently the 114 th Term of Congress CONGRESSIONAL SESSIONS Regular Session: Must Meet once a Year (Jan 3 Dec) can last all year Special Session: President Calls Times of Crisis Joint Session: State of the Union Address
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES BASIC INFORMATION Term Length 2 Years Requirements for Members 25 years old 7 year US Citizen Resident of the State 435 Members Based on State Population Changes w/ Census (10 yrs) VOCABULARY Census Population Count Constituents people who vote in an election Gerrymandering dividing a state into odd-shaped districts for political reasons Gerrymandering 101.mp4
Gerrymandering- How drawing jagged lines can impact an election - Christina Greer.mp4
SENATE BASIC INFORMATION Term Length 6 years (1/3 every 2 years) Requirements for Members 30 years old 9 year US citizen Resident of the State 100 members 2 per state
Powers of Congress (Article 1 Sec. 8) Taxes Tax Bills Begin in the House (Why?) Authorization Bill Creates a Project Appropriations Bill Provides $ for a Project Trade Commerce Clause gives Congress power to regulate foreign & interstate trade (air traffic, railroads, trucking, radio, television, air pollution, stock market) Foreign Policy Powers dealing with other countries (declare war, oversee army & navy, approve treaties, regulate trade)
Powers of Congress (Non-Legislative Powers) Amending the Constitution propose 2/3 of Congress Counting Electoral Votes If no 270 House votes Impeachment Process House Impeach; Senate holds trial (removal/punishment) Oversight Review president actions and well laws are enforced. Investigation Investigate executive/judicial actions.
Powers Denied to Congress (Article 1 Sec.9) Suspend the Writ of Habeas Corpus right to know your charges and be judged by your peers Pass a Bill of Attainder Can't go after group of citizens Pass an Ex Post Facto Law Can't be charged unjustly for a something a crime (they can't make up specific punishments just for you!) Tax Exports (only imports)
HOW A BILL BECOMES A LAW Schoolhouse Rock- America - I'm Just a Bill Music Video.mp4 Can start in either house and needs a majority vote to move to other house If majority of other house passes goes to president and he can: Sign and pass the bill the bill becomes a law. Refuse to sign, or veto, the bill the bill is sent back to the House along with the President s reasons for the veto Do nothing (pocket veto) if Congress is in session, the bill automatically becomes law after 10 days. If Congress is not in session, the bill does not become a law. Congress can override veto with a 2/3 majority in both houses!
EXECUTIVE BRANCH CONSTITUTIONAL REQUIREMENTS 35 years old Natural Born Citizen Live in US 14 Years GENERAL 4 year term 2 term limit (10 year maximum) (except FDR) $400,000 yearly life TRADITIONAL REQUIREMENTS White Males (Except Obama) Protestant (Except JFK) College Educated (Many) Harvard 6 Presidents Birthplace Virginia 8 Presidents PRESIDENTIAL SUCCESSION Vice-President Speaker of the House President Pro Tempore Cabinet Members Line of Succession West Wing.mp4
ELECTORAL COLLEGE Purpose Officially Elects the President & Vice-President NUMBERS 538 Total 270 to win Each State Equal to total members in Congress Winner Take All Majority of Votes in a State Takes all Electoral Votes. (Except 2 States) Why? Can go against mob rule of certain states political stability of the nation by encouraging a two-party system maintains a federal system of government and representation Criticism Can have a president be elected with a minority popular vote Can discourage voter turn-out (Ex. NY and CA)
How the Electoral College Works.mp4
IMPEACHMENT PROCESS Impeachment The process of bringing formal charges against a public official. According to the Constitution, any public official, including the president, can be impeached and removed from office for treason, bribery, or serious misconduct. 2 Steps of the Impeachment Process 1. House of Representatives must pass by a majority vote the Articles of Impeachment. 2. Senate Chief Justice of the Supreme Court presides over the Senate acting as a court. 2/3 vote of Senators is required to remove an official from public office. 3 Historical Examples 1. Andrew Johnson (Tenure of Office Act) Impeached, not removed 2. Richard Nixon (Watergate Scandal) Resigned before Impeachment 3. Bill Clinton (Perjury) Impeached, not removed