Us constituion

?
View mindmap
  • The constitution US
    • Codified
      • Written down in a single text
    • Implied powers
      • Possessed by federal government by inference from powers delegated to them in constitution
    • Necessary and proper clause
      • In article 1,section 8
      • Congresss can make all laws proper and necessary
    • Reserved powers
      • Powers not delegated to federal gov, reserved for states and people
    • Concurrent powers
      • Possessed by both federal and state governments
    • Amendment process
      • Two-stage process
      • Bill Clinton 17 votes on amendments 0 worked
      • George. W. Bush 6 votes only three met the 2/3 majority
      • Advantages
        • The lengthy time and complicated process makes sure that its not amended for a term issue
        • Gives a magnified voice to smaller states
        • Ensures against a veto being operated by congress
      • Disadvantages
        • Makes it very diff to change constitution so out-dated provision ( electoral college) stays
        • The voice of small-pop states is over-represented
        • Makes possible the thwarting of the will of the majority by a small unrepresentative minority
    • Constitutional rights
      • Fundamental rights guaranteed by the constitution.
      • The three branches of gov ensure these rights are protected
    • Principles of the constitution
      • Segregation of powers
        • Political power is distributed amongst the legislature, the executive and the judiciary
          • Fear of tyranny
        • One person can not be in more than one branch of gov
      • Checks and balances
        • Gives each branch the means to partially control the power exercised by others branches
        • President
          • Check congress by vetoing a bill passed
          • Check courts by nominating judges and power of pardon
          • State of union address- president sets out his proposed legislative programme
            • Obama January 2010 healthcare reform
        • Congress
          • Overriding president veto
          • Power of the purse
          • Impeachment
          • Declare law unconstitutional
          • Refuse approve a person nominated (senate only)
        • Federal courts
          • Check congress by declaring a law unconstitutional
          • President acts unconstitutional

Comments

No comments have yet been made

Similar Other resources:

See all Other resources »See all Politics resources »