...Constitution and Systems of the State Paper 2Texas Constitution vs. U.S. Constitution the Constitution was created by the founding fathers for two purposes. The Constitution is to establish a federal government for the United States and to delegate limited powers to the federal government. Serving as basic principles of government for the nation, the Constitution implies laws, customs and institutions within one single document. The U.S. Constitution was completed on September 17, 1789 (University of Texas Austin, 2009). A simple way to describe the Constitution is to recognize it as the states being the boss of the federal government. Just as manager is hired to oversee and ensure that the rules and regulations of a company or business are followed, the responsibility of the Constitution is the same. Many states have individual Constitutions that mirror the U.S. Constitution. The Texas Constitution is very similar to that of the United States by establishing the basic laws under that of which its citizens are administered. The Constitution used today was first adopted in 1876. The Constitution has been amended 439 times and consists of 17 amendments. A closer view of the Texas Constitution reveals the main articles of the state. In additional, the relationship between the U.S. Constitution and the state of Texas Constitution is compared. Next is an analysis of services the judicial, education and social systems provide. Finally, an analysis of the system effectiveness is made...
Words: 948 - Pages: 4
...Running Head: THE MAINLEVELS OF THE U.S. FEDERAL GOVERNMENT The Main Levels of the U.S. Federal Government Lynn Todd Colorado Technical University Online PBAD200-0904A-13 American Government Professor Jamie Boyd October 12, 2009 The U.S. Government is composed up of three key branches, the Executive Branch, the Legislative Branch, and the Judicial Branch. Each branch has its own powers, functions, checks, and balances. First, we will look at the history of the Constitution. During the 1600’s many Europeans left Britain in search of economic, political, and intellectual freedoms. However, they remained under the power of Britain, which functioned under a unitary system of government with one national power that permitted it to take action against any individual. During the Revolutionary war, the states battled with Britain, and won their freedom from the unitary system of government of Britain (CTU online, 2008, phase 1 multimedia presentation)....
Words: 3242 - Pages: 13
...Do you trust the government to do the right things most of the time? It’s all really based on you opinion * a 2000 study of undergraduates showed that 64% did not trust the government Why do we care if people are turning out to vote? * Voter turnout is a sign of political efficacy as well as engagement * People who are engaged are more informed, more likely to communicate with their representatives, more likely to advocate for their interests, and hold public officials accountable for their actions. Political culture * The people’s collective beliefs and attitudes about government and political processes * What is it that binds us together as Americans? * Our political ideologies * Our political values – liberty, capitalism, equality, consent of the governed, individualism Ideology * Political ideology is an integrated system of ideas or beliefs about political values in general and the role of the government in particular * Ideology provides a framework for thinking about politics and policy preferences Ideologies * Modern liberalism is associated with ideas of liberty and political equality: * Tend to favor chance in social, political and economic realms to better protect individuals and produce equality What is the constitution? * Fundamental principles of a government and the basic structures and procedures Two US Constitutions * Articles of confederation ( 1781-1789) * Constitution of the united states...
Words: 2355 - Pages: 10
...to the federal government that takes all the authority of control. Federalism implies division of command among the levels of government. The central government does not take full control of the relationships of the nation but there is sharing of command between the governments at national and state levels. The Federal association has members from diverse groups represented by their heads and leaders and are held together by a required covenant. (Wilson/Diiulio/Bose,2014) Before the political system was in place today, the colonies was later formed the United States have their own government and political system based on the traditions and culture of its citizens. Before the alliance, every state exercises its own command governed by laws unique to its citizens that may be not practically relevant to the other states (Bohm & Haley, 2007). The birth of United States as an integrated nation brought changes to the system. Federal government evolved following the creation and implementation of the United States Constitution. The state governments were not abolished with the conference that states will partially lose their sovereignty or independence. (Wilson/Diiulio/Bose,2014) American Federalism ever since then has been observed constitutionally conceding the national and state governments to apply their exclusive powers but also mandatory to share in other powers. For example, the power to print money, declare war, enter treaties with international government, and handle international...
Words: 1044 - Pages: 5
...In the United Kingdom, we have a constitution that is uncodified and therefore not entrenched within our politics. Essentially, this makes it far easier to amend than a codified one and thus some groups have begun calling for such a constitution to be introduced. These groups cite the constitution in the USA, which forms the foundation of all political decisions; if a proposed law is found to go against the constitution, it is rejected. Supporters of a codified constitution for the UK say that this will give citizens inalienable rights which cannot easily be manipulated or even overturned by the government. A constitution is based around a general consensus of what people should be able to do or not do. Constitutional agreement forms the foundations of the concept of a rule of law. In the USA, their written constitution means that the relationship between citizens and the law is clearly defined. If a constitutional law is violated, there can be no debate over it. This means that the law has more authority in the land. However, in the UK, there is not one legal standard of our constitution and thus whether or not it was violated can be questioned. This can potentially lead to a moving of the goalposts – if the constitution is not entrenched, it is easy to change. Therefore it is impossible to hold everyone to the same standard even though the rule of law states that everyone is bound by it, because the government can essentially do what it likes in terms of manipulating or...
Words: 1775 - Pages: 8
...Introduction to Law Federal State and Pakistani Example SHAH BASIT HUSSAIN QURESHI 5/10/2015 Federal state with the reference of the Constitution of Pakistan 1973 example SUMMARY Definition of Federal State Preamble Introductory Fundamental Rights Principles of Policy The President Majlis-e-Shoora (Parliament) The Federal Government The Governors Provincial Assemblies The Provincial Governments Distribution of Legislative Powers Administrative Relations between the Federation and Provinces Special Provisions Regional State and Unitary State Federal state with the reference of the Constitution of Pakistan 1973 example Page 2 Federal State with the reference of the Constitution of Pakistan 1973 Example Definition of Federal State: A federal state is one that brings together a number of different political communities with a common government for common purposes, and separate “state” or “provincial” or “cantonal” governments for the particular purposes of each community. The United States of America, Canada, Australia, Switzerland, Russia, Belgium, Germany, Pakistan and India are all federal states. Federalism combines unity with diversity. Preamble of the Constitution of Pakistan 1973: 12th, April 1973 Whereas sovereignty over the entire Universe belongs to Almighty Allah alone, and the authority to be exercised by the people of Pakistan within the limits prescribed by Him is a sacred...
Words: 6221 - Pages: 25
...American political system in place today Top of Form | | Bottom of Form 2. Examine three to five (3-5) factors that have allowed the concept of federalism to shape American political behavior 3. Discuss at least two (2) factors that illustrate how the relationship between the states and the U.S. federal government influences the creation of American policies overall 1. Provide three (3) examples of how federalism has evolved from its origins to the American political system in place today. Federalism defines a concept contrary to the federal government that takes all the authority of control. Federalism implies division of command among the levels of government. The central government does not take full control of the relationships of the nation but there is sharing of command between the governments at national and state levels. The Federal association has members from diverse groups represented by their heads and leaders and are held together by a required covenant. (Wilson, Diiulio andBose,2014) Before the political system was in place today, the colonies was later formed the United States have their own government and political system based on the traditions and culture of its citizens. Before the alliance, every state exercises its own command governed by laws unique to its citizens that may be not practically relevant to the other states (Bohm & Haley, 2007). The birth of United States as an integrated nation brought changes to the system. Federal government evolved following...
Words: 1185 - Pages: 5
...history—and nowhere is the contestation more prevalent than in the formation of the Constitution in the late 18th century. During the Revolutionary period, both common and elite Americans alike sought to define the ideals of liberty that would be incorporated into the new nation. But the realization of these ideals of equality in politics and universal rights necessitated the formation of a centralized Republican government in order to become a practical reality, thereby ensuring the success of the nation by implementing basis of lasting, effective systems of maintaining political order. In doing so, the constitution realizes revolutionary aspirations for independent government that guarantees the rights and common good of its citizens. The ratification of the US Constitution and Bill of Rights ensured that the ideals of independence, accurate representation in politics via a republican system, and the protection of natural liberties birthed during the Revolution could survive practically within the new nation. The ratification of the Constitution was critical for the success of the nation, thus realizing the revolutionary dream of...
Words: 1352 - Pages: 6
...generations without having to be modified. Disadvantages (from the point of view of Government): 1.Hard to change. 2.It is easy for you to understand your rights 3.It sets FIXED boundries, duties and resposibilities to the governmanetal bodies. 4.It can be "re-interpreted" over the generations without having to be modified. ADVANTAGES: UNWRITTEN An unwritten constitution based on conventions has the advantage of being extremely adaptable or flexible. Since it is unwritten, it can be changed easily to deal with new situations. All that is necessary for the practises to be changed is for Parliament to agree that change is necessary. Old constitutional practises do not become 'millstones' that make it difficult to deal with changed circumstances. There is an entrenchment, but one that given democratic consensus may be more easily modified than as a written constitution. So long as democratic processes are in place and Parliament and the Judiciary act as elected guardians, then in many ways the British Constitution appears more fitted to reflect a changing world and changing circumstances. Unwritten Constitution changes to reflect the times in which we live. DISADVANTAGE: It carries risks. If a constitution is to place limits on government or to set out the parameters within which governments must operate, then the fact that it can be adapted by government whim can be problematic. Written constitutions can become set in stone. What was appropriate in the past may become anachronistic...
Words: 712 - Pages: 3
...Branches of Government John Freak HIS/301 November 26, 2008 Paul Hill Branches of Government The United States of America (U.S.A.) is known by most peoples the best country in the world. This country system of democracy has set the example for many countries in the world to emulate. Facts dating back to the 1700 and 1800 show the key guide lines in establishing the U.S. constitution. The articles of the Constitution today are in place to protect the rights of the citizens of the United States. The articles of Constitution are laws in place for the people to abide by. Reason the U.S. Government has the Legislative, Judicial, and Executive Branches The forefathers of old was very wise and intelligence men because of their upbringing, education, and experiences of life. As the writer of this paper brainstorming on the reason the forefather made the three branches of government is to possess a checks and balances system. The branches of government would not have any more power than the other branches when making decisions. The checks and balances piece comes into play an approval process have to take place or a vote has to be completed. The three branches remind the writer of the paper of the chain of command in the U.S. military. According to eHow.com, “the first three articles of the Constitution were written to maintain a balance of power within the U.S. government. The three branches of government were designed to check each other, balancing power in order to...
Words: 1126 - Pages: 5
...The United States system of government was changed from the Articles of confederation to the United States constitution due to the many problems it faced. After fighting the revolutionary war for independence, the people won the right to govern themselves. Unhappy with the system of government they were under with British rule they sought to create the opposite form of government within themselves. So the Founding Fathers established a government with a weak central branch through the Articles of Confederation. There were many problems faced under this system, so the Constitutional Convention met to revise the Articles. In 1787, instead of just rewriting the Articles, the Founding Fathers decided to create a new form of government that was...
Words: 852 - Pages: 4
...The Structure of the Legal System – Federalism BobbieSue Watts Kaplan University The Structure of the Legal System – Federalism Within the United States, citizens are structured under two different governments, federal and state. Governments function under a principle called federalism. Federalism is a system of government in which people are regulated by both federal and state governments. (Banker, 2010, p. 16) Each government plays a role in the structure of the American legal system. Federal government has power over all fifty states, while state government only has the power within their own boundaries. The power of the state government can only make laws that doesn’t conflict with the federal government. Each government has their own organization that they follow that makes the American legal system. The federal government consists of three branches: legislative, judicial, and exective. Within our legal system each branch of government plays a distinctive role that doesn’t over power the other branches due to checks and balances. The legislative branch consists of congress which writes the laws. The judicial branch consists of the Supreme Court that interupts the laws. The exective branch is the president and the president’s cabinet that enforces the laws. (Banker, 2010, p. 22) The federal government is granted express and implied powers. Express powers are granted to congress and spelled out in the U.S. Constitution. Implied powers are regulated powers that are derived...
Words: 738 - Pages: 3
...following items? 1. The influence of geography, population, and resources on a country’s politics. – GEOPOLITICS 2. Actual management of the affairs of the state by the executive, judicial, and legislative branches of government – PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION 3. Development of ideas relating to the origin, form, behavior and purposes of the State – POLITICAL THEORY 4. Structure and functions of national and local government units – GOVERNMENT 5. The interplay of societal forces influencing political actions and decisions – POLITICAL DYNAMICS 6. Description and analysis of the similarities and differences among states – COMPARATIVE GOVERNMENT 7. Principles governing and regulating the relationship and conduct of states – INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS 8. The vital role of law-making bodies in rule making – LEGISLATURE 9. The exercise of the regulatory function of government affecting the national economy – GOVERNMENT AND BUSINESS 10. Constitutional and legal principles governing governments and individuals as they relate with one another – PUBLIC LAW C. Which image of politics in the Philippines is associated with each of the following? 11. Predetermined decisions and actions of the men and officers of the AFP to influence government decisions - GAME OF THE GENERAL POLITICS 12. Decision-making by Bro. Eraño Manalo and Mike Velarde with important political implications – FAITH BASED POLITICS 13. Pres. Arroyo gifting congressmen to legislate the...
Words: 1207 - Pages: 5
...who is the Assistant Professor in ILNU. The results embodied in this thesis have not been submitted to any other University or Institute for the any award or degree. A Critical Analysis of Evolution of Cooperative Federalism and Obstacles Ahead for Its Development India is the largest democracy which is reason of pride for every Indian. Democracy always reflects view of majority, so now question arises what about those people who are in minority or culturally diverse but still they are part of this nation like Tamils, north east people, Bengali and many other people who are different from rest of India. The answer to this problem lies in federal structure of Indian constitution, which links it to the voice of the minority borrowing a flavor of social justice. This ensures harmonious execution of the entire system. Federalism, cultural and ethnic diversity have given the...
Words: 2742 - Pages: 11
...The United States government adopting federalism. Even though federalism isn’t mentioned in the constitution, the principles of federalism are mentioned in various articles. For example article 1 section 8 displays the power available to congress. It contains the ‘elastic clause’ that potentially gives the federal government so much power over the states. And the amendments provide a list of ‘can’t do’s’ for the states. For example states can’t enter into treaties with foreign powers. As the aspects of federalism is displayed in the codified constitution, signifies the importance for the US to collectively follow this system. However, Federalism is a method of government that also allows the states to maintain their sovereignty, without the fear of intervention of the central government, unless they violate or clash with the constitution. This is evident as each state has its own constitution and its own executive, legislature and judiciary all working within the limits set by the national constitution; executive; legislature and judiciary. An example of a state constitution that has relevant articles to its needs is Idaho. For instance in their constitutions article 16, section 1 the constitution talks of the need for the Idaho legislature to pass laws that protect livestock from disease. The federalism structure helps create an adaptive US state as laws concerning them individually are taken into account, which prevents ignorance from the central government and a more effective...
Words: 2060 - Pages: 9
