Билет 3

1. American Federalism

The 1^st article of the Constitution establishes the main powers of the Am. Congress. Among those there are the powers to make laws, regulate trade, coin money, collect taxes, raise armies and establish a national Postoffice. It’s the Constitution that divides powers between the national and the state governments. Actually every aspect of Am. life is influenced by several levels of government.

Every level of government has authority over the same territory, the same people, but the legislative bodies, state courts are separated from those of the national government.

Why did the Founding Fathers introduced the federalism? They balanced the nation for a stronger government with the need to retain the independence of the states. Had they not authorized the states, the Constitution would probably have not been ratified by the 13 states.

The National Government Level

Legislative Executive Judicial

(the Congress) (the President) (the Supreme Court)

T he State’s Government Level

Legislative Executive Judicial

(the Congress) ( the Governor) (the State Courts)

4 Levels

the Senate + the General Assembly

Every state has established its own system of courts. According to the Constitution the primary responsibility of the state is to deal with public safety. Most of the crimes in US are dealt with by the state court system. Among other responsibilities imposed onto the states are the protection of public wealth, local government, highway transportation, safety an family affairs.

Public Education: 95% of subsides received by Am. Universities are supplied by the states. At least ½ of the students receive financial aid, provided by both – the federal and government levels. Certification of teachers, the length of the school years and the curriculum are the matters of state concern.

Local Government: Every county has 3 branches:

1. a board of commissioners (legislative)

2. executive officer (executive)

3. counter courts (judicial)

Every level has the right to tax and spend money. While states derive most of revenues from sale and income taxes, the local government’s main source of income is from taxes of property. The state governments hand over 1/8 of their incomes to the local governments for their needs - the System of Control Chaos.

Cities: also have 3 branches:

1. the City Council (legislative)

2. Mayor (executive)

3. City Courts (judicial)

The Judge of Peace deals with minor offences and small claims. There are 12 jurors in City Courts, 3 of which are alternates (reserve jurors). None of them should have a pond opinion, dominated by how the media covered the case + they must be impartial.

Medical Care: Medical care deals with contagious diseases, provide for cleanliness in restaurants, dispose of waters + should administrate hospitals…Anyone who wants to enter an elementary system should be inoculated.

Family Affairs: If you want to get a marriage license you should apply to the state agency; when you want to dissolve your marriage, you go to the state office and your case undergoes some judicial process. Driving license is given out by the state agency.