u.s. government.pptVIP

* Page ? * Taylor 030413141 The form of the American government is based on three main principles: federalism(联邦制), the separation of powers and respect for the Constitution and the rule of law. (P136 Ⅰ/2 T) The federal government is the central government of the U.S. and is divided into three equal and separate branches .They are checked and balanced by one another. The Legislature(立法机关) The Executive(行政部门) The Judiciary(司法部) The Legislature Congress is the legislative branch of the federal government. Congress the Senate (参议院) the House of Representatives (众议院) P136 Ⅰ/3 F The Senate The House of Representatives Voting members 100 ,two from each of the 50 states 435,divided among the 50 states in proportion to the total population terms six years two years P137 Ⅱ/4 Qualifications for a Senator and a Representative respectively A Senator: over 30 years old a U.S. citizen for at least nine years a resident in the state which they respesent A Representative: at least 25 years old a U.S. citizen for no less than seven years (P137 Ⅲ /2) The main function : pass laws for the Union. The law-making process is very complicated. A member of either house of Congress has the right to introduce a bill or legislative proposal . (P137 Ⅱ/5) When bills are introduced, they are immediately sent to a proper committee.After the hearings(听证会), the committee votes on the bill to see if it should proceed further. If not favorably voted, the bill dies. If it is favorably voted, the committee will report recommendations about the bill to the House of Representatives or the Senate.If the two houses approve similar bills with different opinions, both bills are sent to a Conference Committee.If the committee does not reach an agreement, the bill is lost. Once a bill is passed by b