[文学]英美文化概况.ppt

American Part American politics and government I. The Constitution of the United States of America (1) Who drafted the Constitution? May of 1787 Constitutional Convention delegates from 12 states (Rhode Island refused to send representatives) representatives: (a) their economic position (b) intellectuals; enlightened human beings (c) rich experience in government [Question: Could they really represent “the people”?] (2) The foundamental questions to be answered: How does a large, complex society maintain order and yet still uphold individual freedom? How much individual freedom should be allowed? How much direct rule should be accorded to the people (whoever they are)? How much---and what kind of ---power should be allotted to a central government? How can a constitution ensure that excessive, or arbitrary, power will not converge in the single individual? (3) Disagreements among different states “large state” plan VS “small state” plan compromise: northern states VS southern states compromise: (4)Seven articles and the Bill of Rights Seven articles and the Bill of Rights: The first three provided for and explaied the branches of national government: the legislative, the presidency, and the courts. Article 4 dealt with relations among states and between the states and the national government. Article 5 explained the way in which amendments to the Constitution were to be made. Article 6 spoke to the nature of the Union and the Constitution, which is described as “the supreme law of the land”. Article 7 provided for the establishment of the Constitution upon the ratification (批准，认可) of the nine states. In 1791, James Madison drew up the first ten amendments, which guarantee individuals such rights as the right to keep and bear arms, the right to speedy and public trial, and the right of trial by jury. More importantly, the ten amendments provide American citizens