From Unity To Political Parties
How are Government Officials Elected?
2. Alexander Hamilton's Ideology:
- Looked at common people with distrust and disdain
- Rulers and the Ruled
- Creation of a great empire that would dominate the western hemisphere and compete successfully with the establish powers of Europe
- Supported alliances with Great Britain
- Powerful government
- Broad interpretation of constitutional powers
The Constitution and Politics
House of Representatives:
- Direct election of members of the House of Representatives every two years
- Each Congressional District composed of 650,000 people
- Closest to the people
Senate:
- Two senators elected from each state to 6-year term
- Elected directly by the people
- Direct Democracy won't work
- DIRECT DEMOCRACY- The people vote directly on laws and directly manage the affairs of government.
- ORIGINAL CONSENT- Giving consent to a provision or law the first time.
- PERIODIC CONSENT- Giving continuing consent to certain intervals to a provision or law to which original consent has already been given.
by: Jim Scott
What about the President?
Key Players
- FILTERED CONSENT- When the selection of government officials is distanced from direct election by the people in order to protect against mob rule and public whim.
- Indirect Elections, time between elections, size of representative regions
ELECTORAL COLLEGE- The group of electors selected by the people who are responsible for the selection of the President.
Each political party chooses Presidential electors for each state
Candidate with majority wins all electoral votes in states
PLURALITY- Receiving the largest percentage of the votes.
What should the government do?
1. Assume the Revolutionary War Debt of all 13 states.
2. Pay off in full the debt of the federal government
3. Establish a Bank of the United States
4. Negotiate a trade agreement with Great Britain
5. Impose tariffs
What was the Original Feeling About Political Parties?
- Parties are not provisioned in the Constitution
- Originally were feared and avoided.
- "Factions to be lamented."
- "I wish to warn you in the most solemn manner against the baneful effects of the spirit of party generally." -- George Washington
Key Terms
- Political Parties
- Constitution
- Original Consent
- Periodic Consent
- Direct Democracy
- Filtered Consent
- Electoral College
- Majority
- Plurality
FINAL POINTS
The Emergence of Two American Ideologies
- Each branch of Congress is the judge of the qualifications of its members
- May refuse entry remove a member deemed unworthy to be a representative or senator
- House of Representatives has the power to impeach the President or any federal judge
- Senators act as jurors during trial.
1. Thomas Jefferson's Ideology
- Society of free, self-reliant individuals with a small government to protect their rights
- Supports subsequent revolutions
- Supported French Revolution and alliances with France
- Smaller federal government
- Narrow interpretation of constitutional powers
DEMOCRATIC REPUBLICAN PARTY
- Justices or other federal judges are nominated by the President and confirmed by the Senate
- Serve for life