the theory of politics and a guiding principle of the American Revolution came from John Locke. John Locke John Locke, an English materialist philosopher, furnished the century with a theory about reason. Locke, rejecting innate knowledge, believed that mans knowledge was acquired from the experience of five senses, from observation and experiment, and from the reflection by the mind. John Lockes Viewpoints Civil government was instituted by mutual agreement for the purpose of enforcing natural laws. The most important natural law was that no man should take away the life, liberty, or property of another. The purpose to establish a government is to protect these natural laws Political System The Constitution The Three Branches of Government Congress President Supreme Court Political Parties Election ProcessThe Constitution The system of government is laid down in the Constitution of the United States, which was framed in Philadelphia in 1787 and ratified in 1789. American constitution is called “a living constitution”, in that amendments can be added to it.The Two Principles of Constitution The federal system -meaning there is a division of powers betwwen the federal government and the state government. The Separation of powers. -meaning there is also a division of powers among the three branches of the federal government.I. The US Constitution 1. The Federal system What is a federal system? 1.1 It is a system of government in which power is divided by the written constitution between the federal (or central) government and the subordinate (state and local) governments. 1.2 Each level of government is supreme within its sphere of authority with constitutional guarantee. (Each layer of government has separate and distinct powers laid down by constitution) 1.3 Constitutional changes must be approved by both governments (federal and state). Separation of PowersThe American constitutional system includes a notion known as the Separation of Powers. In this system, several branches of government are created and power is shared between them. At the same time, the powers of one branch can be challenged by another branch. This is what the system of checks and balances is all about. There are three branches in the United States government as established by the Constitution. First, the Legislative branch makes the law. Second, the Executive branch executes the law. Last, the Judicial branch interprets the law. Each branch has an effect on the other.US Federal GovernmentExecutive BranchPresidentLegislative BranchCongressJudicial BranchSupreme CourtI. The US Constitution2. Separation of powers: checks and balances 制衡原则 2.1 What mechanism did the writers of the Constitution introduce to provide safeguards? They introduced the mechanism of separation of powers and checks and balances. 2.2 Separation of Powers It refers to the principle that the national government is split into 3 branches: legislative, executive and judicial. In the legislative branch, power is split further into 2 houses. 2.3 Checks and Balances 2.3.1 Each branch has part of the powers but not all the power. 2.3.2 Each branch of government can check, or block, the actions of the other. 2.3.3 The 3 branches are in balance. Checks and BalancesI. The US Constitution3. Provisions for amendment How can the Constitution keep pace with the growth of the nation? 3.1 The Constitution can keep pace with changes by provisions for amendment. 3.2 There is a dual process by which the Constitution could be changed. 3.2.1 The Congress, by a 2/3 vote in each house, may initiate an amendment. 3.2.2 Or the legislatures of 2/3 of the states may ask Congress to call a national convention to discuss and draft amendments. 3.3 In either case, amendments must have the approval of 3/4 of the states before they enter into force. 3.4 The purpose of the provisions is to maintain stability and flexibility as well. To be exact, it is to make the Constitution to endure and meanwhile to prevent possible minority from blocking the action of the majority.I. The US Constitution 4. Bill of Rights 4.1 It refers to the first 10 amendments to the constitution. 4.2 It guarantees freedom of religion, freedom of speech, freedom of the press, freedom of assembly and petition, freedom from unreasonable searches, right to jury trial, right to due process of law and other legal rights.Some Amendments Freedom of Speech The Right to Bear Arms Rights of Criminal Defendants State Interference vs. Personal PrivacyFather of the Bill of RightsThe Three Branches of Government The legislative branch represented by Congress The executive branch represented by the President The judicial branch represented by the Supreme CourtChecks and Balance