31. Constitution of the United States, its structure and current role.

was drawn up by 55 delegates to the Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia during the summer of 1787 and ratified by the states in 1788. defines distinct powers for the Congress of the United States, the president, and the federal courts. establishes and limits the authority of the federal government over the states and spells out freedoms and liberties for U.S. citizens.

James Madison known as the “Father of the Constitution.” As a congressman from Virginia, he sponsored the first ten Amendments known as the Bill of Rights. At least one delegate came from each state

Slavery Southern states would gain an advantage because of their large slave populations. They agreed that counted slaves as only three-fifths of a person. Great Compromise

Presidency.elected to a four-year term and eligible for reelection, with authority to veto bills enacted by Congress. The president was also given command of the military and the power to appoint federal officials, subject to confirmation by the Senate.

The Constitution had to be ratified by nine states before it could take effect, and ratification nearly failed.

Delaware became the first state to ratify, on December 7, 1787

The Constitution spells out in six articles

32.Politics of the United States

federal republic of 50 U.S. states

system is based on statutory law

Legislative

Congress is a bicameral legislature, consisting of two chambers: the House of Representatives (the "Lower House")435 members, two-year term, each state entitled to at least one seat

the Senate (the "Upper House"). consists of 100 members

Both Houses of Congress meet in the Capitol in Washington, D.C

Executive U.S. President, who is both the head of state and head of government. Under him or her is the Vice President and the Cabinet. The president must be a natural-born citizen of the United States, be at least 35 years of age, and have been a resident of the United States for 14 years.

Judicial Supreme Court

nine justices are appointed for life by the president and confirmed by the Senate

33. Political parties, political culture and strength

only 2 major parties throughout its history: Federalists and Anti-Federalists. For over one hundred years, America's two-party system has been dominated by the Democratic and Republican Parties. Neither party, however, has ever completely dominated American politics. Thus, the balance between the Democrats and Republicans has shifted back. While minor parties, also called "third parties," have appeared from time to time, and continue to appear, they have been conspicuous in their inability to attract enough voters to enable them to assume power. Seldom, however, have minor parties been successful for more than a short period of time. Some current third parties in the United States are the Socialist Labor Party, the American Independent Party, the Libertarian Party, and the Peace and Freedom Party.

Elections are held according to the single-member district system, based on the principle of "winner take all." Under this system, only one candidate—the one with the most votes—is elected to a given office from any one district..

Democrats generally believe that the federal government and state governments should provide social and economic programs for those who need them.

While Republicans do not necessarily oppose social programs, they believe that many social programs are too costly for taxpayers. They tend to favor big business and private enterprise and want to limit the role of government.

. Many Americans, however, are politically uninvolved.