POS 1041 Lecture 1: Basis of American Politics

• School: SCFMS, SCF
• Department: Political Science
• Course: POS 1041
• Professor: Daniel Fuerstman

Document Summary

Federalism - america uses a federal system, in which there are multiple distinct levels of govt. Who decides what (state vs federal) depends on the constitution. Separation of powers - there are three branches of government. The president is the chief executive of the country. Bureaucracy is millions of people that make up the govt, departments and post offices and all that jazz. Legislative - congress (house of representatives & senate) House of reps is based on population; every state has two senators in senate. Get to decide what is constitutional vs what isn"t. Checks and balances - each branch can check the other branches. Executive - can veto the laws that are written by congress. Legislature - can override a veto if enough ppl vote. Interest groups - lobbies!! we love a corporation am i right ahhahahahsdjashdkasd. The media - responsible for keeping us informed abt what politicians are doing. Political parties - u. s. has two main political parties.