Overview of the U.S.

Government
1. Foundations of the U.S. Government
 Declaration of Independence (1776): Document declaring American independence from Britain,
authored by Thomas Jefferson.
 Articles of Confederation: The first constitution of the U.S. (1781-1789) that created a weak
federal government and was eventually replaced by the U.S. Constitution.
 U.S. Constitution (1789): The supreme law of the United States establishing the framework of
the national government and fundamental laws, and guaranteeing certain basic rights for its
citizens.
2. Principles of the Constitution
 Popular Sovereignty: The idea that the government's authority comes from the people.
 Limited Government: The government has only the powers that the Constitution gives it.
 Separation of Powers: Divides government into three branches, each with its own
responsibilities.
 Checks and Balances: Ensures no branch of government becomes too powerful.
 Federalism: The division of power between national and state governments.
 Judicial Review: The power of the courts to declare laws unconstitutional.
3. The Three Branches of Government
Legislative Branch
 Congress: Bicameral legislature consisting of the House of Representatives and the Senate.
o House of Representatives: 435 members, based on population, serving 2-year terms.

o Senate: 100 members, two per state, serving 6-year terms.

 Powers of Congress: Makes laws, controls federal spending, approves treaties and presidential
appointments, can declare war, and has impeachment powers.
Executive Branch
 President: Head of state and government, Commander-in-Chief of the armed forces, serves a 4-
year term (limited to two terms by the 22nd Amendment).
 Vice President: President of the Senate, assumes presidency if the president is unable to serve.
 Executive Office of the President (EOP): Supports the president in implementing policy and
includes the White House Office, National Security Council, and Office of Management and
Budget.
 Federal Agencies and Departments: Execute and enforce laws, e.g., Department of Defense,
Department of State.
Judicial Branch
 Supreme Court: The highest court in the U.S., consisting of nine justices who serve lifetime
appointments.
 Lower Federal Courts: Includes Courts of Appeals and District Courts.
 Judicial Powers: Interprets laws, reviews lower court decisions, can declare laws and executive
actions unconstitutional (judicial review).
4. The Amendment Process
 Proposing Amendments: Requires a two-thirds vote in both houses of Congress or a
constitutional convention called by two-thirds of state legislatures.
 Ratifying Amendments: Requires approval by three-fourths of state legislatures or state
conventions.
5. Federalism
 Division of Powers: Powers divided between national (federal) and state governments.
 Enumerated Powers: Specifically granted to the federal government (e.g., coin money, regulate
interstate commerce).
 Reserved Powers: Powers reserved to the states (e.g., education, marriage laws).
 Concurrent Powers: Powers shared by both federal and state governments (e.g., taxing, building
roads).
6. Civil Rights and Liberties
 Bill of Rights: The first ten amendments to the Constitution guaranteeing individual liberties and
rights.
o Key Amendments:

 1st Amendment: Freedom of speech, religion, press, assembly, and petition.

 2nd Amendment: Right to bear arms.
 4th Amendment: Protection against unreasonable searches and seizures.
 5th Amendment: Rights in criminal cases, including due process and protection
against self-incrimination.
 6th Amendment: Right to a fair trial.
 8th Amendment: Protection against cruel and unusual punishment.
 Civil Rights Movement: Efforts to end segregation and discrimination against African
Americans and other minority groups, leading to significant legislation such as the Civil Rights
Act (1964) and Voting Rights Act (1965).
7. Elections and Political Parties
  Electoral System: Presidential elections through the Electoral College, congressional elections
through direct vote.
 Political Parties: Major parties include the Democratic Party and the Republican Party, along
with various third parties.
 Primary Elections: Voters select party nominees for general elections.
 General Elections: Voters choose among candidates from different parties for public office.
8. Public Policy and Administration
 Policy Making: Involves setting agendas, formulating, adopting, implementing, and evaluating
policies.
 Bureaucracy: Agencies and departments responsible for carrying out laws and policies.
 Regulatory Agencies: Federal agencies that create and enforce regulations (e.g., Environmental
Protection Agency, Securities and Exchange Commission).
9. Key Historical Documents and Supreme Court Cases
 Federalist Papers: Essays promoting the ratification of the U.S. Constitution.
 Marbury v. Madison (1803): Established judicial review.
 Brown v. Board of Education (1954): Declared racial segregation in public schools
unconstitutional.
 Roe v. Wade (1973): Legalized abortion nationwide.
 Citizens United v. FEC (2010): Allowed unlimited independent political expenditures by
corporations and unions.