Prime Time 5, Coursebook mit Audio-CD

2 The American Constitution and the Bill of Rights The War of Independence from Britain ended in 1783 with an American victory. On September 17, 1787, thirty-nine delegates from the original thirteen colonies signed the new Constitution of the United States. In 1791 the Bill of Rights was added. This guaranteed the main civil liberties in the United States. a) Look at the diagram below and add the words. assembly equal justice petition press religion security speech The Constitution represents two basic beliefs: • The individual is important and must be free. • The people have the right to choose the officials of the government (government by consent of the governed). Freedom to hold public meetings. Meetings must be peaceful and obey local laws. Freedom of All persons accused of a crime must be treated fairly and equally in a court of law. Rights to Freedom to express ideas and opinions. No one may use this freedom to tell lies in order to harm or to injure other citizens (“slander”). Freedom of Freedom of worship. Freedom to belong to any religion, or to none. No official state religion is allowed. Freedom of Freedom to print books, newspapers, and magazines. No one may print lies that harm other citizens (“libel”). Freedom of No unlawful search may be made of homes. Under certain circumstances citizens may carry guns. Freedom and of citizens Freedom to encourage the government to pass laws. Freedom to ask the government to take certain actions. Freedom of b) Choose one of the boxes in the diagram and explain why you think the aspect it refers to is important. c) Do you have the same rights and liberties? 3 The American government today The United States of America has three branches of government. Each controls the other two. It is called a system of “checks and balances”. T he people The President • controls foreign policy and makes treaties. • may veto laws made by Congress. • can recommend laws. • appoints members of the Supreme Court. The Supreme Court • watches over the Constitution and interprets the laws. • can call laws made by Congress unconstitutional. • can call President’s decisions unconstitutional. • can impeach and remove the President. • may ignore the President’s veto. • The Senate approves the appointment of members of the Supreme Court. • The Senate approves treaties made by the President. Senate (100 Senators: 2 from each state) House of Representatives (435 Congressmen/- women) Congress • elect a President for four years. • elect Senators for six years. • elect one third of Representatives every two years. Legislative Executive Judicial 70 Politics 5 Nur zu Prüfzwecken – Eigentum des Verlags öbv