Please enable JavaScript.
Coggle requires JavaScript to display documents.
How do American government and politics work? 17/09/20 - Coggle Diagram
How do American government and politics work? 17/09/20
Progress during the civil rights movement was slowed in part by the way in which the American government was organised
In the early days of America's foundation the original 12 states met in 1787 to draw up a plan or a workable system of government. They had a number of things on their mind
Centralised governments like those in europe tended to lead to restrictions on people freedoms ad liberties
The french philosopher Montesquieu ideas of separating power to avoid tyranny were popular
The delegates wanted ‘limited government’ whereby government would do only what is essential.
so what system of government did America end up with?
legislature (congress) - makes the laws
executive (president) - carries out the laws
judiciary (supreme court) - enforces the laws and interprets the laws
state governments - makes laws on and sets policy on issues at stake level.
BILL OF RIGHTS 1791
first 10 amendments known as bill of rights
proposed by congress September 1789
ratified by states December 1791
designed to protect against an all powerful federal government
rights established
freedom of speech
right to keep and bear arms
no quartering of soldiers
no unreasonable search and seizure
due process
speedy and public trial
trail by jury in civil cases
no cruel and unusual punishment
other rights of the people
power not delegated to Fed Govt are reserved to the states or people
amending the constitution
proposed amendment
vote in the house 2/3 majority required
vote in the senate 2/3 majority required
vote in state legislatures
passed by 3/4 of all state legislatures
constitution amended
NOTABLE AMENDMENTS
13TH slavery abolished (1865) - 14TH equal protection and due process clause (1868)
15TH black poeple given the right to vote (1870)
16TH income tax (1913)
22ND two term presidential limit (1951)
25TH presidential succession