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Civics 101: The National Self Governing Will In-Home Training

Course 2: Modern US Politics

The National Self Governing Will 2: Modern US Politics

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Table of Contents

I. Introduction ..................................................................................................................3 II. Branches of Government..............................................................................................4

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The Executive Branch......................................................................................4

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President ...........................................................................................................5

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The President’s Cabinet

................................................................................11

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The Electoral College .....................................................................................14

III. The Legislative Branch .............................................................................................17

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The House of Representatives .......................................................................21

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The US Senate ................................................................................................23

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The United States Code .................................................................................26

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The Supermajority Vote ................................................................................27

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Congressional Committee System ................................................................29

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The Importance of a House and Senate .......................................................30

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The Great Compromise of 1787....................................................................32

IV. The Judicial Branch ..................................................................................................32

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Checks and Balances......................................................................................34

V. The Legislative Process ...............................................................................................34 VI. Federalism ..................................................................................................................37

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National vs. State Government

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Federalism ..............................................40

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The Laws Behind the Acts of Congress........................................................41 VII. The Federal Budget Process ....................................................................................44

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The Federal Budget Calendar.......................................................................45 VIII. Expanded US Timeline ..........................................................................................46 IX.

George Washington’s Farewell Address

.................................................................54

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I. Introduction

“All men would be tyrants if allowed.”

Quoted from Daniel Defoe by Abigail to John Adams The modern political landscape can seem outright confusing. However, at its core, the state and federal governments were built on a system. Much of the confusion that exists over the operation of the government comes from not fully understanding the history of the system and how it is meant to operate. This course is meant to provide a better civil comprehension of the political system of the United States, a brief history of how it was created, and the functions and facilities of each group of government.

It is your responsibility to participate in democracy.

“These are the times that try men's souls. The summer soldier and the sunshine patriot

will, in this crisis, shrink from the service of their country; but he that stands it now, deserves the love and thanks of man and woman. Tyranny, like hell, is not easily conquered; yet we have this consolation with us, that the harder the conflict, the more glorious the triumph. What we obtain too cheap, we esteem too lightly: it is dearness only that gives every thing its value. Heaven knows how to put a proper price upon its goods; and it would be strange indeed if so celestial an article as FREEDOM should not be

highly rated.”

The American Crisis -

By Thomas Paine

Thomas Paine, best known as the author of Common Sense was a patriot of the highest regard whose writing and pamphlets were widely circulated during the early American Revolution. His words helped to solidify the thoughts of the American people into a concept of independence. His writing was also the most forthright of the time in stating the case for independence. What Paine is stating here in The American Crisis is a case for the ongoing need for patriots. http://www.ushistory.org/paine/crisis/c-01.htm Patriotism and statesmanship do not begin and end in battle. Not every patriotic act is earned in war. Patriotism begins with understanding and continues with action. In this course you will learn more about the primary branches of government and how each operates to the best interest of the people in mind. It is wrong to see founding fathers or politicians in that light as gods or without fault. At their best, a politician is a representative of the will of the people. A politician must be a patriot first and foremost. To see them as gods or god-like is to do disservice to the

memory of founding fathers. As David McCullough explains, “Gods, after all, don't

deserve a lot of credit because they can do whatever they wish. Those we call the Founders were living men. None was perfect. Each had his human flaws and failings, his weaknesses. They made mistakes, let others down, let themselves down. Washington could be foolhardy and ill-tempered. Adams could be vain, irritable, Jefferson evasive, at times duplicitous. And even in their day, many saw stunning hypocrisy in the cause of