2.1 Congress, its composition and functions - 1.2 & 1.3

Composition

The House of Representatives is made up of 435 elected members, divided among the 50 states in proportion to their total population. In addition, there are 6 non-voting members, representing the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, and four other territories of the United States. The Representatives elect the Speaker of the House, who is the presiding officer of the chamber.

The Senate is composed of 100 Senators, 2 for each state. They are elected to six-year terms by the people of each state. Senator's terms are arranged so that about one-third of them is up for reelection every two years. The Vice President of the United States (elected along with the President by the Electoral College) serves as President of the Senate.

2.2 What does the executive branch do? - 1.2 & 1.3

3.1 Name the most important documents in the USA.

The Declaration of Independence: On July 4th, Americans celebrate the former colonies’ independence from Great Britain and passage of the Declaration of Independence. Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, Roger Sherman, and Robert R. Livingston were appointed to a committee to draft a declaration of independence. Adopted on September 17, 1787.

The Constitution - the supreme law of the USA. Consists of a preamble, seven original articles (legislative, executive, judicial powers, the states, amendments to the C., ?-supremacy-oathsприсяга, ratification), 27 amendments and a paragraph certifying its enactment by the constitutional convention.

The Bill of Rights - the first 10 amendments to the Constitution

Amendments to the Constitution (11-27)

The Federalist Papers - a series of 85 essays promoting the ratification of the U.S Constitution

The Anti-Federalist Papers- 85 articles written in opposition to the ratification of the U.S Const.

3.2 What is the federal system?

A federal system of government is one that divides the powers of government between the national (federal) government and state and local governments. The Constitution of the United States established the federal system: he last four Articles (4-7) frame the principle of federalism. Under federalism, each level of government has sovereignty in some areas and shares powers in other areas. For example: both the federal and state governments have the power to tax. Only the federal government can declare war.

3.3 How is power distributed among the federal government and the state governments?

At first system of government was described in the Articles of Confederation (strong states, weak national gov.). They wrote the Constitution, to replace the Articles of Confederation and divide power between the national government and the state governments - federalism.

While each of the 50 states has its own constitution, all provisions of state constitutions must comply with the U.S. Constitution.

Exclusive Powers of the National Government

 Print money (bills and coins)

 Declare war

 Establish an army and navy

 Enter into treaties with foreign governments

 Regulate commerce between states and international trade

 Establish post offices and issue postage

 Make laws necessary to enforce the Constitution

Exclusive Powers reserved to State Governments

 Establish local governments

 Issue licenses (driver, hunting, marriage, etc.)

 Regulate intrastate (within the state) commerce

 Conduct elections

 Ratify amendments to the U.S. Constitution

 Provide for public health and safety

 Exercise powers not delegated to the national government / prohibited from the states by the U.S.

 Constitution (For example, setting legal drinking and smoking ages.)

Powers or "concurrent" Shared by National and State Government

 Setting up courts

 Creating and collecting taxes

 Building highways

 Borrowing money

 Making and enforcing laws

 Chartering banks and corporations

 Spending money for the betterment of the general welfare

 Taking (condemning) private property with just compensation