USA Government Handbook
By Danny McKiernan
Welcome to United States!
Why does America have individual states?
We have states to enforce the laws the federal government doesn’t enforce. Federalism breaks the government down so that no branch of the federal government has more power. The state governments are left to balance out the federal government to not give it all the control, so that each state can govern itselves. Each government has its own responsibilities, including local governments. Most of what the federal government doesn’t enforce is left to the state and local governments.
What is a constitution?
Constitutions exist in order to prevent a government from becoming too powerful or corrupt. For example, the constitution uses a system of checks and balances to make sure all three branches are equal. The constitution declares rules the government has to follow, making it fair for everyone.
Constitution Preamble
The US Constitution's preamble states the basic functions of its purpose: to create a better and more reliable country, make the government and judgement fair, make everything peaceful, have a strong military/defense, to promote the general well being of people, and to make sure freedom is secured to ourselves and our descendants.
"We the people of the United States, in order to form a more perfect union, establish justice, insure domestic tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general welfare, and secure the blessings of liberty to ourselves and our posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America."
Explaining Flowchart Above
Executive Branch
Includes President, Vice President, Cabinet Departments, and Government Agencies
-The President has the power to veto laws passed on through Congress
-The President appoints judges to the Supreme Court and Federal Court of AppealsLegislative Branch
The House of Representatives, The Senate
-Congress has to approve President’s suggested budget, can impeach President, can override a -President’s veto with ⅔ percent of votes on both sidesJudicial Branch
Federal Courts, Supreme Court
-Can declare Presidential acts unconstitutional
-Interprets the law and can declare Congress laws unconstitutionalIllinois State Government Flowchart
Info-Graphic Explanation Above
Possible Problems with Federalism
Federalism is a great system, but an utopia is impossible, so it has its flaws. This was the case in 2005 when Hurricane Katrina hit New Orleans, nobody knew whose responsibility it was going to be to help, causing miscommunication and poor cooperation.
People have to know how the federal government works
Governments need to be prepared
Need emergency plans
Need to be able to communicate
Need to know how to help
Government needs to be held accountable
Responsibilities and Obligations examples
Obligations (things as a citizen you have to do)
Pay taxes
Jury duty
Selective Service
Responsibilities (things as a citizen you are suggested to do)
Voting
Help government and community
- Respect rights of others
Why Would You Contact Senators and House Representatives
Frequently Asked Questions
435 Representatives
100 Senators
117 Illinois General Assembly
2. How to apply for citizenship
http://www.uscis.gov/citizenship/learners/apply-citizenship
3. About Federalism and how it started
http://www.ushistory.org/gov/3a.asp
4. Nationally Observed Holidays in US
http://www.officeholidays.com/countries/usa/
5. National Anthem and its history
http://www.smithsonianmag.com/history/the-story-behind-the-star-spangled-banner-149220970/?no-ist
Bibliography
Works Cited
"Apply for Citizenship." USCIS. N.p., n.d. Web. 24 Sept. 2015.
"District/Official Search." District/Official Search. N.p., n.d. Web. 24 Sept. 2015.
"Find Your Representative." · House.gov. N.p., n.d. Web. 24 Sept. 2015.
"The Founders and Federalism." Ushistory.org. Independence Hall Association, n.d. Web. 24 Sept. 2015.
"Illinois General Assembly - House Members." Illinois General Assembly - House Members. N.p., n.d. Web. 24 Sept. 2015.
N.p., n.d. Web. 24 Sept. 2015.
"Preamble (Principles of the Constitution Series)." YouTube. YouTube, n.d. Web. 24 Sept. 2015.
Sousa, John Philip, and David T. Shaw. The Star Spangled Banner. Columbia, 1916. CD.
"The Story Behind the Star Spangled Banner." Smithsonian. N.p., n.d. Web. 24 Sept. 2015.
" ." Student Learning Center. N.p., n.d. Web. 24 Sept. 2015.
"02.08 Federalism." 02.08 Federalism. N.p., n.d. Web. 24 Sept. 2015.
"United States of America: The Star-Spangled Banner." SoundCloud. N.p., n.d. Web. 24 Sept. 2015.
"Virtual Reference Desk." U.S. Senate: How To. . . Contact U.S. Senators. N.p., n.d. Web. 24 Sept. 2015.
"What Is a Constitution?" YouTube. YouTube, n.d. Web. 24 Sept. 2015.