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American Government

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The United States Constitution
A list of laws that a country and its people must follow.
Organizes the government
Tells the states how they will work together and what rights they have.
Tells the people what rights they have.
Most important document in America!
The Preamble to the United States Constitution
We the people of the United States, in order to form a more perfect union, establish justice, insure domestic tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general welfare, and secure the blessings of liberty to ourselves and our posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.
The United States is a
Democratic Republic
The United States is the oldest continuously functioning democracy in the world
Democracy – A style of government in which people vote in elections to choose their leaders.
Republic – A style of government where the people retain control over the government and the head of the government is not a monarch.
Balance of Power
Writers of the Constitution wanted to make sure no group would become too powerful.
They, therefore, created 3 branches of government, each with their own power.
So the U.S. has a strong central government but a balance of power.
Three Main Branches

Checks and Balances
Legislative Branch

United States Capitol
Membership
Senate
Two from each state.
6 year terms.
Must be at least 30 years old
Must be a U.S. citizen for 9 years
House of Representatives
Based on state population
2 year terms.
Must be at least 25 years old
Must be a U.S. citizen for 7 years
Special Responsibilities of the House of Representatives
1. Writes any law that makes people pay taxes.
2. Decides if government officials should be put on trial before the Senate if s/he commits a crime against the country. This is impeachment.
3. Can elect the President if the Electoral

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