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International MilitaryStudent Preparatory
Course
P 910
U.S. Constitution/
Government
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Learning Objective
TLO B.
Action: Develop awareness of societal/cultural differences andstandards.
Condition:As a CGSOC International Military Student and member
of a staff group; living within the U.S. military, local, national, and IMScommunities; given the community cultural and social environment;handouts; references and readings; practical exercises, groupdialogues, and discussions.
Standard: Development must include:
Acknowledgement of societal/cultural differences.
Relating to protection of human rights.
Providing honorable representation for home country. Demonstrating awareness of historical development and current
structure of U.S. Armed Forces.
Understanding of the U.S. political system.
Demonstrate an understanding of sustainment of the U.S. officercorps.
Acknowledgement of American public and social welfare system.
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Lesson Outline
Articles of Confederation
Constitutional Convention
The United States Constitution Amendments
Branches of The United States Government
Legislative
Executive Judicial
State Governments
Summary
Delayed Practical Exercise
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Problems with
the Articles of
ConfederationThe Congress could
not raise money by
collecting taxes.
The government
had no control
over commerce.
The government could
pass laws but not force
states to comply.
All changes to the Articles
had to be unanimous.
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The Constitutional
Convention
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Key points in the Great
Compromise Bicameral Legislature.
Commerce and slavery.
Nationality requirements.
Amending and ratifying the Constitution.
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The United States
Constitution
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The United States
Constitution (cont) Founded on three principles:
Inherent rights.
Self government.
Separation of powers.
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The United States
Constitution (Cont.) Is the cornerstone of the U.S. Government.
Approved and implemented in 1788.
It describes the structure of the U.SGovernment and the rights of the people.
Provided for a central government that becamethe Supreme law of the land.
Citizens choose their governmentrepresentation.
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The United States
Constitution Creates three branches of the Government.
Through a system of Separation of Powers,each branch operates independently of the other.
Checks and balances prevent concentration of toomuch power in one branch.
Constitution
Legislative
BranchExecutive
Branch
Judicial
Branch
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Amendments
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The Amendment Process Amendments are used to change the Constitution.
There are two ways to get an Amendmentapproved:
Method 1 Method 2
2/3 of the Senate and the
House of Representativesapprove the proposed
Amendment. This is followed
by the approval of 3/4 of
the state legislatures within a
specified time frame. (usually 7 yrs.)
2/3 of the state legislatures call
for a Constitutional Convention.This is followed by approval of 3/4
of the state legislatures within a
specified time frame. (usually 7 yrs.)
-- This method has never been used.
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Bill of Rights
When originally ratified, the US Constitution did not
contain a Bill of Rights.
Many people were concerned about the protection
of their freedoms. 10 amendments were added to the US Constitution
in 1791. Collectively, they are called The Bill of
Rights
The first 8 amendments describe the individualrights.
Amendments 9 and 10 describe the relationship
between the people, the State and the Federal
government.
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Branches of the United
States Government
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Legislative Branch
US Capitol
United States
Senate
United States
House of
Representatives
- Elected by the people of
each state every 2 years.
- Number of representatives
is based on the population of
the state.
- 435 Representatives in the
House.
- Speaker of the House is
selected by the members of
the majority party.
- Elected by the people of
each state every 6 years.
- Every state, regardless
of size is represented by
two Senators.
- 100 Senators in the United
States Senate.
- Vice President is the
President of the Senate
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Organization of the Executive
BranchPresident
Vice
President
Leader of the country
And Commander in
Chief of the Military
Forces.
President of the Senate and
Becomes President if the
President is unable to serve.
ExecutiveAgencies
Departments IndependentAgencies
Make regulations
that help to implement
Laws.
Department heads advise
the President on policy
issues and help execute
those policies.
Help carry out policy or
Provide special services.
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The JudicialBranch
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The Supreme Court
This is the highest court in the land.
The most important responsibility
is to decide cases that raise
questions of constitutional interpretation.
The Court is able to overrule both federaland state laws when they conflict with its
interpretation of the Constitution.
Its decisions are final unless changed by
a Constitutional Amendment.
The Supreme Court is composed of nine
justices.
The justices are appointed by the President,
but must be approved by the Senate.
Once appointed, the justices serve for life un-less they retire, resign or are removed in
accordance with the Constitution.
There are no official qualifications for justices;
however, they must be trained in law.
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The States
Power is shared between
national, state, and local
governments.
This is called Federalism.
Most states replicate the
governmental structureas the United States
government
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Exclusive Powers
Print money
Regulate interstate(between states) and
international trade Make treaties and conduct
foreign policy
Declare war
Provide an army and navy
Establish post offices Make laws necessary andproper to carry out the thesepowers
Issue licenses
Regulate intrastate (withinthe state) businesses
Conduct elections Establish local governments
Ratify amendments to theConstitution
Take measures for public
health and safety May exert powers theConstitution does notdelegate to the nationalgovernment or prohibit thestates from using
National Government State Government
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Concurrent Powers
(Shared Powers)
Collect taxes
Build roads
Borrow money Establish courts
Make and enforce laws
Charter banks and corporations
Spend money for the general welfare
Take private property for public purposes,
with just compensation
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State
Constitution
Legislative
BranchExecutive
Branch
Judicial
Branch
Organization of State Government
Two Houses* Governor &Administrative
Agencies
- Municipal- District
- Appellate
- Supreme Courts
* Nebraska has a single chamber legislature.