5. The Role of the People
American governance is based on a democratic system with a set of principles that ensure checks and balances, separation of powers, and respect for individual rights. Here’s a quick overview of how it works:
1. The Constitution
- The foundation of American governance is the U.S. Constitution, which outlines the structure of government and the rights of citizens. It was adopted in 1787 and has been amended 27 times since.
- The Bill of Rights (the first ten amendments) guarantees fundamental freedoms such as freedom of speech, religion, and the right to a fair trial.
2. Separation of Powers
- The government is divided into three branches:
- Legislative: The Congress (Senate and House of Representatives) makes laws.
- Executive: The President enforces laws and serves as the head of state and government.
- Judicial: The Supreme Court and other courts interpret laws and ensure they are applied fairly.
Each branch has its own responsibilities and can check the power of the other branches, ensuring no one branch becomes too powerful.
3. Federalism
- Power is shared between the national government and state governments. States have significant authority over many matters (education, law enforcement, etc.), while the federal government handles issues like defense, trade, and immigration.
4. Elections and Political Participation
- American governance is largely defined by democratic elections. Every four years, Americans vote for the President, and every two years, they vote for members of the House of Representatives. Senators are elected for six-year terms, and each state elects two.
- The political system is dominated by two major parties: the Democratic Party and the Republican Party. There are also minor parties, though they hold less influence.
5. The Role of the People
- Citizens have the right to vote, run for office, and participate in civil society. This participatory aspect is key to maintaining a democratic system. Public opinion, activism, and lobbying also shape policy.
6. Checks and Balances
- The system ensures that no one branch of government becomes too powerful