1. the U.S.A.- the United States of America 2. Population: over 300.000.000 3. Capital city: Washington D.C. (District of Columbia) 4. the largest cities: - New York - Los Angeles - Philadelphia - Chicago - San Francisco 5. Language: English & Spanish 6. Political system: representative democracy 7. Chief of State: president 8. American national symbols: the nicknames of flag of the U.S.A.: - the Stars and Stripes - the Old Glory George Washington organised community and designed a flag. RED is symbol of courage WHITE is symbol of liberty BLUE is symbol of loyality 50 stars= 50 states 7 red stripes, 6 white stripes = 13 original states Betsy Ross- she was young woman who was a seamstress(szwaczka,krawcowa). She suggested 5-points stars. She sewed the first American flag. 10.10.2011 Symbol of the U.S.A. - The Great Seal of the U.S.A. (in the official documents) The bold eagle has a talons (szpony) in which he has an olive branch and pack of arrows. E Pluribus Unum (its written above the bold eagle's head) Out of many one Uncle Sam - The initials of the United States Uncle Sam - is a fiction character - he represented American people Another Symbol the Statue of Liberty woman who standing on one of the island - it's a New York - in her right hand she's holding a torch-pochodnia (she enlighten the world) - in her left hand she has tablet (it's written on the tablet: 4 July 1776) - symbol of American people love democracy - full name: Liberty Enlightening the World - It was a gift from France to the U.S.A. symbolizing: love of democracy, French-American friendship and immigration - A colossal figure of a woman standing on Liberty Island at the entrance to the New York harbour welcoming millions of immigrants arriving in America - Frederic Auguste Bartholdi (the French sculptor)- is an author, he created it in Paris - unveiled(odsłonięta) in 1886 National Anthem(hymn) The Star- Spangled Banner words written by FRANCIS SCOTT KEY during the war of 1814 - he was a legend person - he was captured by British - was an American lawyer, author, and amateur poet - he participated in a British-American war - he had to observing from ship how the British bombarding America - he saw an American flag still waving in the morning and he wrote a poem about the flag An outline of American geography - the U.S.A. is the fourth largest country in the world behind Russia, Canada and China - it stretches 2,575 kilometers from north to south - 4,500 kilometers from east to west (5 hours by plane) Regions: - New England - The Mid- Atlantic Region - The South - The Midwest - The Southwest - The Rocky Mountains (Mts) Region - The Northwest and Alaska - California and Hawaii 17.10.2011 The Outline of America It is a land of varied land forms and physical contrasts: Forests Deserts Mountains High flat lands Fertile plains The Appalachians Mountains Rocky Mountains from Canada to Mexico Climate Almost every kind of climate can be found there Florida, Texas, California and the entire state of Hawaii have warm temperatures Alaska has a different climate which in the extreme north is arctic (with long, very cold winters and short, cool summers) The country lies mostly in the temperate zone (4 district seasons) Time zones EASTERN time- NEW YORK CENTRAL time- Chicago MOUNTAIN time- Denver PACIFIC time- Los Angeles If you travel from New York to Los Angeles (from east to west) you have to back your watch four hours. The Atlantic Shore It is very rocky and uninviting This is the place where the English Puritans known as the Pilgrim Fathers landed in 1620 on the ship called Mayflower They reached Cape Cod (nowadays the state of Massachusetts) and decided to stay there, at a place near modern Boston (Plymouth) The Appalachians They run parallel to the east coast Old mountains with many coal rich valleys Central Lowland (north- west) - 5 American greatest lakes: Superior, Michigan, Huron, Erie, Ontario- 1/5 world fresh water Great Plains They look like a flat top of a table tilled to the west Grassland and rich farmlands The area is sometimes called The Breadbasket of the U.S.A. because of great harvests The Rocky Mountains The Backbone of the continent as they extend all the way from New Mexico to Alaska Young mountains High, rough and irregular shape The Colorado Plateau home for the Grand Canyon, the Sierra Nevada Mountains the fertile lands of the Pacific Coast Most important rivers of the U.S.A. The Mississipi River- Father of waters- Continental Divide - nicknames (the river flow in different directions) The Ohio River The Hudson River (flow from New York city) The Potomac River (small flows to Washington city) The Columbia River The Colorado River The Rio Grande River The Missouri River The Yukon River Regions: - New England - The Mid- Atlantic Region - The South - The Midwest - The Southwest - The Rocky Mountains (Mts) Region - The Northwest and Alaska - California and Hawaii 1. the largest American state is Alaska (in the north) 2. the largest American state in mainland is Texas Alaska is quite as big as Texas 3. the smallest American state is Rhode Island Alaska is 400x bigger than Rhode Island 24.10.2011 NEW ENGLAND 1. Maine- the most attractive 2. New Hampshire 3. Vermont 4. Massachusetts- Boston 5. Rhode Island- the smallest state 6. Connecticut the most „English” like region The place can trully be called the birthplace of America because: 1. the first settlers called the Pilgrim Fathers made it their home 2. It played a dominant role in the development of modern America from 17th into 19th centuries- pre-eminent region with regard to economics and culture- Harvad University (Ma) established in 1636 and Yale University (Conn) 3. The birthplace of American Liberty- the fight for independence started there in Boston in 1773. PURSUITS (possibilities) Shipbuilding- clippers Trading with Europe and West Indies Triangular trade Fishing (cod) Whaling (now illegal) Gold Rush of 1848 (Gold was found in California) Triangular trade This was the name given to the trading route used by European merchants who exchanged goods with Africans for slaves, shipped the slaves to the America, sold them and brought goods from the Americas back to Europe. Merchants who traded in this way could get very rich indeed as American goods fetched a high price in Europe. It was called the triangular trade because of the triangular shape that the three legs of the journey made. The first leg was the journey from Europe to Africa where goods were exchanged for slaves. The second, or middle, leg of the journey was the transportation of slaves to the Americas. It was nicknamed the 'middle passage.' The third and final leg of the journey, was the transport of goods from the Americas back to Europe. YANKEES Jankees- a combination of Jan Kees meaning- JOHN CHEESE- a nickname applied by Dutch settlers in New York to English colonists. (for New England Jankees are people who lived in Maine) Expressions that entered the English language through New York... - Jankees - Indian summer (beautiful, warm weather in the autumn, before winter- babie lato) 07.11.2011 The Mid- Atlantic region States: 1. Delaware 2. Maryland 3. New York 4. New Jersey 5. Pennsylvania 6. District of Columbia (it's part of Maryland) 7. West Virginia The Mid- Atlantic region is relatively small but one in every ten Americans lives there (very densely populated). The largest states of the region are: - New York (settled by Dutch) - Pennsylvania (English Protestants) The largest American cities and parts are located in the region: WASHINGTON D.C.- the national capital located in Maryland on the Potomac River. About 640,000 inhabitants (mostly- 70% black) The city was founded in 1791. The first president of the U.S.A. George Washington chose the place for the new capital, which was named after him. Before Washington D.C. became the capital of the US other cities that served as capital include New York, Philadelphia and Annapolis “Columbia” in “District of Columbia” stands for Christopher Columbus The city was planned by a French artist- Pierre L'Enfant The most beautiful American city- long wide avenues, parks, no skyscrapers. The city is in a French style cold climate Famous buildings: - the White House (where the President live with his family) - the capital (seat of the American Congress) - the Pentagon- US Department of Defense building (Parliaments building) Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington County, Virginia, is a military cemetery in the American Civil War. The cemetery is situated directly across the Potomac River from the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C. Every veteran, member of the United States Armed Forces, or civilian buried at Arlington Cemetery is thought of as distinguished for honoring their country in their service (the President John Kennedy assassinated in Dallas in 1963). Another place: The tomb of the Unknowns Another important place: The Smithsonian Institution (set of museums) Memorials & Statues 1) George Washington Memorial Nation's first President- The Father of the country 2) The Lincoln Memorial A tribute to the nation's greatest president, the man who: - led the country through the Civil War - ended slavery - preserved the nation 3) The Jefferson Memorial A tribute to the multitalented man- an architect, an inventor, a diplomat, the author of Declaration of Independence (1776). The creator of human rights: live, liberty and happiness to all people The third President of the United States 4) Martin Luther King's Monument (Memorial) unveiled on 16 October, 2011 Standing in the shadow of the Washington Memorial the statue shows Dr King emerging from a mountain of Chinese granite with his arms crossed and is called The Stone of Hope. It stands on the steps Dr King delivered his famous speech “I have a dream” in 1963 M. L. King Memorial was carved in China by a Chinese sculptor Mr Lei Yixin. The Memorial commemorates the life and work of Dr Martin Luther King, Jr (Junior) and his contributions to world peace through non- violent social change. He was a very first black person (first memorial to the Black Person). Its induced a lot of controversion. Big ports of the Mid- Atlantic region: New York (the nation's financial center) Philadelphia (city of historical importance, used to be a capital city in the past) Baltimore The importance of the region in the past: The Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution were written and signed there- in Philadelphia. The region became a sort of gateway to America for people from many parts of the world. A tourist attraction: The Niagara Falls Economy of the region: Coal mining- Pennsylvania and West Virginia Heavy industry- they produce- iron, glass and steel, chemicals 14.11.2011 THE SOUTH 1. Alabama 2. Arkansas 3. Florida 4. Georgia 5. Kentucky 6. Louisiana 7. Mississippi 8. North Carolina 9. South Carolina 10. Tennessee 11. Virginia Civil War shaped this division • New England- the Birthplace of America, because everything began there • The Mid- Atlantic region- the Gateway to America • The South- Dixieland because they were slave states or the Bible Belt, because it is very religious state The Civil War • It is the history that shaped the region's character- the Civil War (1861-1865) • Reasons for the War: 1) The North began to industrialize 2) The South remained agricultural 3) The economic and political tensions began to divide the nation The North opposed slavery- the thought it was unjust while the southern slave owns defended is as an economic necessity. American South is very distinct because of Civil War. The Confederation • Eleven southern states left the federal union and proclaimed themselves an independent nation • This led to the Civil War Results of the war: • The war brought the end to slavery (amendment No.13 to the American Constitution) • The black people were put on equal footing with whites • A lot of former slaves moved to the north and settled in Washington, New York or Chicago Jim Crow Laws or Black Codes • These were laws passed in the American South after the Civil War that separated and discriminated black Americans • Racial segregation • Equal but separate The problem was because some southern states (Louisiana, Alabama, Tennessee) decided introduces some laws that people were equal but separate- separate black children from white-> different school, school for black children from had lower standards. Most of black people were illiterate so they weren't able to vote. KU KLUX KLAN organisation stood against equality of black and white people Geographic difference- climate: They grow: • tobacco (North Carolina) • Rice (Arkansan and Louisiana) • Cotton- the principal crop of the South • the Florida peninsula is a garden of subtropical fruit such as- oranges, grapefruits, peaches, citrus fruits There is mild climate (lots of sunshine but hurricane). Old age pensioners moved to south areas because of the climate. American South is agricultural region. The main river: Mississippi steamboat- sailes on Mississippi River Industry Natural resources and raw materials such as: • Gas • Oil fields • Water power • Crude oil • Fisheries • Forests • Minerals Jazz • The type of music created in the time of slavery by Black Americans • The greatest and the most important contribution to the world's music • New Orleans is often called the birthplace of jazz South is connected with this type of music Black people took their music with them when they moved on to New York, Chicago-> North Some important places: Atlanta is a capital of Georgia (suffered most during the Civil War) - It was ruined and rebuilt again - Coca-cola was born in Atlanta created in 1886 by a local chemist John Pemberton, some people say that he used old Indian recipe - Margaret Mitchell- Gone with the Wind lived in Atlanta Florida - the Sunshine State - favourite for pensioners Orlando - Disneyland Cape Canaveral - Space Center St. Augustine - the oldest American city established by Spanish people 28.11.2011 The Midwest States of the Midwest 1. Michigan 2. Ohio 3. Indiana 4. Illinois 5. Wisconsin 6. Minnesota 7. Iowa 8. Missouri 9. North Dakota 10. South Dakota 11. Nebraska 12. Kansas MIDWEST is America's -because it is American's center in many ways: I. The Midwest is America's geographical center. The exact middle point of the U.S.A. falls in Lebanon Kansas has been called “Midway, U.S.A.” because the geographic center of the Continental United States located in the state. The location, just over a mile to the north and west of the north-central Kansas town of Lebanon, is marked by a stone monument. II. because it is the center of American agriculture and industry Agriculture of American Midwest - the region lies in the area called the Central Basin- opened treeless grassland called prairie. - it is bounded by the Ohio River, through Great Plains to the Rockies - the region's fertile soil made it possible for forms to produce abundant harvest of cereal crops such as wheat oats and corn. The region is known as the nation's "breadbasket" Agriculture -more than half of nation's wheat and oat -soybeans -corn- the most important of cell American crops, the main agricultural products -Corn Belt Inventions 1) A steel plow (plough) -pług 2) Barbed wire- changed open- range cattle grazing to settled farming on the Great Plains. Nationalities that settled in the region: -Swedes- introduced a log cabin- a typical dwelling of the frontier -Germans- created a typical barn -Scots and Irish- potatoes cultivation -Asian people- soybean -Dutch- how breeds of farm animals -Poles and Ukrainians -Italians and Japanese
influence fruit and vegetable growing typical house-log cabin Abraham Lincoln was born in a log cabin The Midwest is called the base of American industry” the leading manufacturing industries are: -chemical manufacturing -machinery manufacturing -food manufacturing -transportation equipment -plastic and rubber products -computer and electronic products The most important industrial cities of the Midwest: -Chicago- the “Windy City” (constant wind) and third largest city in the U.S. -Detroit- the “Motor City” a.k.a. “Motown” (there are a car producing) -Milwaukee Illinois is the fifth-most populous state of the U.S.A., and is often noted for being a microcosm of the entire country (the most “average state”) With Chicago in the northeast, small industrial cities and great agricultural productivity in central and northern Illinois, and natural resources like coal, timber, and petroleum in the south, Illinois has a broad economic base. Chicago -called the most typically American city -the industrial metropolis of the Midwest -Nicknamed the Windy City as it experiences extremes of climate- hot
humid summers and bitterly cold winters - located on the southwest shore of Lake Michigan -Population- more than 3 million people -steel production -the world's first skyscraper was built in Chicago in 1884 The Cathedral of St. Jack -polish church area: Jackowo (where we can find polish shops) Detroit- heart of the automobile industry -It had a special start as it began as a wagon making town using wood from the forests that covered the peninsula between Lake Michigan and Lake Huron -Home of Ford, General Motors and Chrysler St. Louis -In the past it was the starting point of westward journeys -Gateway to the west -This was commemorated by the steel arch built in 1965 Oregon
Trail Dodge City- was a center for buffalo hunters and cowboys. It has been the setting for buffalo. The Plains Indians had hunted buffalo which membered close to 60 million in the early 1800's as a food mainstay for centuries but the buffalo hunter that invaded the American Plains in the middle 1800's had the buffalo herds near extinction in less than half a century. Landmark of the Midwest -Mount Rushmore in South Dakota, in Black Hills -called as the "Shrine of Democracy" -Mount Rushmore National Memorial is a sculpture carved into the granite face of Mount Rushmore near Keystone, South Dakota, in the United States. South Dakota (18m high faces) -George Washington -Thomas Jefferson -Theodore Roosevelt -Abraham Lincoln 05.12.2011 The Southeast 1. Oklahoma (the Sooner state) 2. Texas 3. New Mexico 4. Nevada 5. Arizona The southwestern states - Two characteristic are common among all these areas: 1. vastness 2. aridity (having very little rain- dry lands and not productive) Oklahoma -the land of extreme heat and extreme cold -the land where water is worth more than property as the rainfall is unpredictable and climate is violent. -the wind blows constantly -the soil is hard and dry -it seems not a good place to settle down HOMESTEADERS -These were people who decided to settle in Oklahoma -Farmers who received free land (65 hectares- 160 acres) from the federal government in exchange for living on the claim and cultivating it for at least 5 years. -Homestead Act of 1862 (signed by President Abraham Lincoln). It helped to populate the area. Homesteaders -When they arrived they found Indians and cattlemen controlled the plains. -For years these three groups fought one another. -But two inventions assured the farmers victory- barbed wire- which stopped cattle overrunning the cultivated areas and a windmill- which saved the farmer's life during droughts (pumping subsurface water to irrigate his fields and water his livestock). Today Oklahoma is still not a nice place to live The land is being ruined by the droughts, constant winds and the destruction that was caused by not proper farming- square farming Square farming -Plowing fields along the straight lines that marked the edges of farmer's property -Winds swept over patches of plowed ground and rain washed the topsoil -This phenomenon is called DUST STORM DUST BOWL -The first dust storm happened in 1934 when the upper layer of soil on the plains was blown away- to Boston -Dust filled houses and stopped machinery -Wells and streams were dry -A lot of people abandoned their homes. TEXAS the Lone Star State TEXAS -The vastness is the outstanding characteristic of this state -The second characteristic feature is its oil and natural gas reserves -30% of its population are Hispanics -NASA (National Aeronautics and Space Administration)- Houston, Texas Tourist attractions in Texas 1.The Alamo-where in 1836 settlers from the U.S.A. rebelled against Mexico 2.San Antonio-famous for its missions and Mexican-Christian festivals New Mexico- the land of Enchantment -Its atmosphere and tradition is a mixture of three ethnic groups: Spanish, Indians, Americans Pueblo Indians -They live in 20 villages along the Rio Grande River -They have been living there since prehistoric times -They life centered around 1.growing corn 2.pottery making 3.they are known for their apartment houses made of stone and adobe (clay+straw)/glina ARIZONA The Grand Canyon State -The nation's sunniest state- 80% of maximum possible amount of sunshine each year -Visited by millions of tourists who enjoy its climate, visit national parks and numberous Indian reservations, ghost town and Spanish missions -Navajo, Apache, Hopi The Grand Canyon N.P. -The world's biggest gorge -created by the Colorado River that cut through the rock layers like a saw. -342 km long -29 km wide -1800 meters deep The Grand Canyon -The first to exploit it was John Wesley Powell- his expedition visited the place in 1869. -The Canyon is ever-changing because of continuous erosion- it slowly is becoming deeper and wider. -In 1979 the Grand Canyon was named the World's Heritage Site 12.12.2011 The Rocky Mountains Region States: 1. Montana 2. Wyoming 3. Idaho 4. Utah 5. Colorado The highest peak- Long Peaks The Rockies - The Continental Divide - Backbone of the continent Some facts about the region - Spare population-population density is the lowest in the U.S.A. - Home for cowboys, shepherds, skiers, skiers and climbers Economy The region's economy dwells on: 1. Mining- coal, gold, silver 2. Ranching 3. Farming 4. Tourism- fishing, hunting, river rafting, horseback riding, hiking, skiing 5. Natural resource- copper, zinc, crude oil, gold, silver Colorado the Roof of Nation -It is a ski country -40 ski resorts -Aspen- the most famous ski resort Utah- Mormon state -Utah is a state that was established in the middle of 19th century as a model state based on a particular religious vision -New York-1827- Joseph Smith -Book of Mormon -Brigham Young -Polygamy -The state of Utah was admitted to the Union in 1896 when they gave up polygamy -Salt Lake City- the heart of the movement Mormons believe that Jesus came to America and visited their founder Joseph Smith in 1820. Scenic wonders of the region: Yellowstone National Park (Wyoming and parts of Montana and Idaho) -The largest national park in the United States -The world's first national park established in 1872 -Its most characteristic natural phenomena are thousand bursts of steaming water called- GEYSERS Yellowstone National Park -The name Yellowstone was given by the Sloux Indians -It is the favourite of tourists -It is under the jurisdiction of the National Park Service- RANGERS -The first person to explore the area was a fur trapper John Colter in 1807 -Since its establishment it served as an international model -The park is one of the most successful wildlife sanctuaries in the world -It contains- grizzly bears, black bears, elk, deer, antelope, moose and bison Other scenic wonders of the region -Devil's Tower National Monument (Wyoming) -Grand Teton National Park (Wyoming) -Glacier National Park (Montana) -Arches National Park (Utah) -Bryce Canyon National Park (Utah) -Zion National Park (Utah) -Rocky Mountains National Park (Colorado) 19.12.2011 The Pacific Northwest & Alaska States: -Washington -Oregon -Alaska The economy of the region -It is based on the following resources: 1) the trade with Asia (especially with Japan) 2) lumber (=wood) 3) logging 4) fishing (salmon) Washington Ever Green state -The only state named after a president -The nickname- Ever Green state- due to giant Douglas firs it is covered with Puget Sound (=the bay) -The way to the orient -Its shores are covered with natural harbours and hundreds of waterways (Seattle-one of the most important one). Washington -It ranks first in the production of wood pulp -It prosperity is based on timberland resource -The second resource is fish- salmon Landmark of the Northwest Mt. Rainier Attractions of Washington state -Rain forests- the Olympic Rain Forest National Park -Seattle-the city boomed during Alaska' Gold Rush of 1897- Boeing Company Mt. St. Helens -volcanic mountain (from time to time it erupts) Mount St. Helens, Washington, is the most active volcano in the Cascade Range. Its most recent series of eruptions began in 1980 when a large landslide and powerful explosive eruption created a large crater, and ended 6 years later after more than a dozen extrusions of lava built a dome in the crater. Larger, longer lasting eruptions have occurred in the volcano's past and are likely to occur in the future. Although the volcano seems to have returned to a period of quiet, scientists with the U.S. Geological Survey and University of Washington Geophysics Program continue to closely monitor Mount St. Helens for signs of renewed activity. Alaska the Last Frontier (Why it is called Last Frontier) -The largest state -Purchased from Russia in 1867 for 7.2 million dollars William Seward (Secretary of State under the president Abraham Lincoln) - originally thought to be values region of ice and snow (called- Seward's Folly or Seward's Icebox) Alaska -1896- Gold Rush to Alaska gold was discovered near the Klondike River -It became 49th state of the U.S.A. in 1959 -Dog racing- the most popular sport in Alaska -Alaska is nicknamed frying pan-the handle of the frying pan is in Pacific Ocean Mc Kinley- 6,194m -after the president -in central Alaska They solve transportation problems flying (with planes) Inuit Indians The natives of Alaska In 1968 vast reserves of oil and natural gas were discovered on the Alaska North Slope near Prudhoe Bay. The petroleum reservoir was determined to be twice the size of any other field in North America. The 1,287 -km Trans-Alaska pipeline from the North Slope to the ice-free port of Valdez opened in 1977, after bitter opposition from environmentalists, and oil began to dominate the state economy. Texas, California, Alaska -largest oil sources 2.01.2012 California and Hawaii These two states have a few things in common 1.Culturally diverse population (Engl&Span) 2.Lots of sun and sand CALIFORNIA- the golden state -California has the largest population of any states in the nation -The California's people come from many places and cultures -1/4 of its population is Hispanic (these people speak Spanish, refuse to assimilate, come from Mexico, Cuba, Puerto Rico) -California has also a large Asian population (Chinese and Japanese) -bilingual state -California is very often called Modern El Dorado as it has practically everything people seek for: 1.moderate climate, 2.warm temperatures year round, 3.the state lies in the “Sun Belt” area The Sierra Nevada - the gold was found there in 1848 on the American River by a man called James Marshall who was building a sawmill. He discovered yellow flakes of gold in the water. -His discovery started a huge rush of men to California (approximately 80,000 people rushed to California in 1849 and they earned the name Forty-Niners) Death Valley -the lowest spot in the U.S.A. It is also one of the hottest and driest (desert). No water there at all. Yosemite National Park -one of the world's greatest concentration of free-leaping waterfalls -located 320km east of San Francisco, in Sierra Nevada Hills. The Great Central Valley -rich soils and mild climate -gardens and orchards in which they grow: 1.beans, rice, onion, lettuce 2.pears, grapes, peaches, oranges, lemons, olives 3.grain and cotton Redwood trees -Redwood National Park -Redwood National is located in northernmost coastal California- about 325 miles north of San Francisco -Redwood trees (sequoias are the tallest trees that grow on our planet) San Francisco (Frisco) -a metropolitan, multilingual and multicultural city (over 3mln people) -during the Gold Rush of 1848 it served as a supply center for gold seekers -located on 43 hills -transportation- a cable car (a tram) -In 1960 parts of the city became the center for flower people The Golden Gate Bridge -sometimes suffers from earthquakes Los Angeles -movie capital of the nation Hollywood- district of LA HAWAII -a chain of 130 islands of volcanic origin lying on the Pacific Ocean (3,200 kms from the main land of the U.S.A.) -In 1778 the British Captain James Cook accidently landed there -Only 1/6 of the population originated in Europe or America -It is the only state of the Union where Asian Americans outnumber residents of European stock the most important island-> Oahu, (Honolulu-> capital city of Hawaii) HAWAII Hawaiians have been related to the US since 1900 -they requested for American citizenship -1959 the territory was admitted as the 50th state- a state separated from the mainland by 3,200 kms of ocean -the state is located in the tropical zone -annual temperatures- 24 degrees centigrade The best known- Oahu -the largest city and the capital of the state- Honolulu- home to more than half of all Hawaiians. The center of Hawaiian life -Pearl Harbor, the US Pacific fleet- December, 1941) Economy -Tourism- major industry-3mln tourist a year- ideal climate and beautiful beaches -the main crops- sugar pineapples, coffee, bananas, avocados 9.01.2012 Native Americans -They had come from Siberia through Alaska 40000 years ago -Siberia and Alaska were joined by ice-about 10 mln people -People there prefer to be called Native Americans: 1. They want to correct the historical error made by Columbus 2. They are honoured by calling them original settlers -The White people started to expel Indians Stereotypes of Indians: -Noble Savages- in the eyes of some Europeans Indians-> very primitive happy children of nature -Blood thirsty Savages-Indian->very cruel, deprived, they had pleasure in killing and torturing white men.- responsible for extermination of Indians -White people wanted to convert Indians to Christianity. But they refused. White people started killing them Indian started to resist. A lot of cruel wars. -Europeans brought with them illness. Simple diseases. Indians hadn't met them before. Diseases killed Indians. -White population was growing. Europeans put Indians in reservation -to live on reservation -reservations are located on places that whites didn't want (not fertile etc) They were located far away from original pieces of land where Indians lived. (There is unemplyment) -Number of Indians-> about 0,8%- 2mln people -The total number of registered Indian tribes- 250 -The number of reservation- 300 (most are located west of Mississippi River) The Rocky Mountain region Reservation- 30 American States west of Mississippi River -Oklahoma -Arizona -Mexico -California -Texas -North Dakota -South Dakota 62% of Indians live everywhere in America 38% live on reservation Indians were not forced to live on reservations. It's their own decision. Names of two important, best known Indian's reservation: the Navajo- the biggest reservation in the U.S.A.(in part of three states: Arizona, New Mexico, Utah) the Apache-(located in New Mexico) operate logging company, oil was discovered there- the poorest reservation -Reservation is ruled by Indian Reservation Council The government of the U.S.A. provides education -Mixture of traditional and modern life: -children go to schools and learn English and their language and traditions. Tourists visit reservation. They can take photo with Indians for money. 64%- unemployment rate of Indians in reservation ->highest alcoholism rate in the U.S.A. ->the highest suicide rate in the U.S.A. What we owe Indians? -> Philosophy of life (the man is the part of nature) We owe them change in view on environment -Contributions of Nature Americans to the modern world: -Arts and crafts ->jewellery of different type ->architecture (Texas, Arizona) resembles the style of Pueblo Indians ->moccasin; snow shoes ->canoes -Medicine: ->use of herbs 50% of medicaments come from Indian plants ->additions made to the English language: -Chicago, Massachusetts, Idaho, Iowa ->crops unknown in the Old World -corn -potatoes -manioc -tomatoes -squash -chili pepper -chocolate -vanilla -pineapple -tobacco corn-staple crop (the most important) for Indians source of life; appears in Indian legends or myths Names of Indian Tribes: -the Sioux (the best known tribe in Europe) they have headdress (pióropusz) ->The Great Plains Indians(they introduced peacepipe in the world, when they welcome tourist they have wear the Indian costumes) -the Iroquois- do not live on reservation; they are called warriors, thinkers (Freud used their dream interpretations), builders (famous for perfect sense of the lenght) accepted in U.S. govern. structure -the Pueblo People -Apache-southwest; Grande River -Navaho- the largest Indian Tribe 16.01.2012 American Identity American's nation is called Nation of Immigrants. Reasons: -> the country was settled by millions of immigrants, they built it, developed -> even today the U.S. is the country that accept more immigrants that any other country in the world America is composed of: -different national origins, cultures, religion groups, racial groups -different customs America is called a melting pot (a metaphore)- a country of immigrants -> AMERICANIZATION (you become part of melting pot; you give up deliberately some specific features brought from Europe) Other metaphores: -a salad bowl/ a pizza- a bit different meaning; you keep to some particular feature; you don't go Americanization Average/Typical American -may be black, white, Asian- several races -most Americans are Christian but not only Christianity-America is not a Christian country -language cannot define Americans (English but not given by law) According to immigration laws an American is someone who was born there, claims to be American, pass the test in culture & English language census- spis ludności head count of the nation every 10 years last- 2010 The last census: ~81% Whites ~13% Blacks ~4% Hispanics (crossed am.-Mexico borders illegaly: Mexico, Puerto Rico, Cuba- don't want to assimilate; don't speak English) ~0,8% Native Americans ~0,3% Asians; Hawaii, Pacific Islands 60mln- total number of immigrants from the beggining What were reasons why they came? Three main reasons: -religious, political prosecution -economic hardship -political oppressions 20.02.2012 THE POLITICAL SYSTEM OF THE U.S.A. Representative democracy - “the government by the people in which the supreme power is vested in the people and exercised by their elected agents under a free electoral system” Pillars of democracy 1.Sovereignty of the people 2.Government based upon the consent of the governed 3.Majority rule through their representatives 4.Minority rights are respected 5.Quarantee of basic human rights: freedom of speech and freedom of religion 6.Free and fair elections 7.Equality before the law 8.Due process of law 9.Constitutional limits on government 10.Social and political pluralism 11.Values of tolerance, pragmatism, cooperation and compromise 27.02.2012 The Constitution 1787 ↓ ↓ The Document The Amendments (27) (It has never been changed) (poprawki do konstytucji) ↓ ↓ The Preamble The Articles(7) It contains two main sections: SECTION ONE: -the document -the preamble -the articles SECTION TWO: -The Amendments- changes to the Constitution (27 so far, the last added in 1992) -the first ten amendments to the Constitution are called Bill of Rights The Constitution -The American Constitution provides the basis for the U.S.A. Government -It is the basic law from which the U.S. government derives its power -It is called the supreme law because 1.No other laws may contradict any of its principles 2.No person or government is exempt from following it. The Constitution has three main principles: I. Inherit rights (prawa niezbywalne) -rights that anyone living in America has -rights guaranteed by the Constitution to both citizens and non-citizens who live in the U.S.A. Inherit rights include: 1.Right to freedom of religion 2.Right to freedom of speech 3.Right to bear arms, or to own weapons 4.Right to a trial when accused of a crime, and to know of what crime one is accused of 5.Right to own property and to expect the government cooperation in protecting private property II. Government by the people -the people have the authority to 1.delegate their authority to their representatives in the government 2.elect their representatives or even change the laws or the Constitution when they believe these changes need to be made III. Separation of powers -giving each branch of the government different powers -The Constitution defines three distinct branches of the national government, each with its own powers -The branches are: 1.The legislative branch 2.The executive branch 3.The judicial (judiciary) branch Check and balance system -The system of government which maintains the balance of power among the branches of the government. Its sets limits on the power of each branch and the ways for each branch to correct any misuses of power by the other branches Executive -> Legislative <- checks & ↓↑ balances ↓↑ Judicial NATIONAL GOVERNMENT The capital- Legislative (Congress) The White House- Executive (President) The Federal Government Legislative Branch Congress The Legislative Branch The Congress -The Legislative Branch is made up of two houses: 1.The Senate 2.The House of Representatives The job of the Congress is to make laws. Before a proposed law (a bill) becomes enacted, it must be approved by both houses of the Congress and by the President The Senate -The Senate is often referred to as the upper house -It is composed of two senators from each state -The senators are elected for six-year terms -Every two years, one third of them face reelection To be a Senator -A person must be at least 30 years old -A citizen at least nine years -A resident of the state he/she represents The Vice-President presides the Senate and votes only in case of a tie The House of Representative -The House of Representatives is often referred to as the lower house -It is consists of 425 members -The representation of each state is determined by the state's population (California has 53 and Alaska 1 and Illinois 19) -Most states are divided into districts A.Representative of the people is chosen in each district --The HR members are elected for two-year terms -There is no limit to the number of times a Representative may be re-elected One of the major obligations of a Representative is to protect the interests of the people of his/her district To be a Representative -A person must be at least 25 years old -A citizen at least seven years -A resident of the state he/she represents Meeting of the Congress -Joint sessions of the United States Congress are the gatherings together of both houses of the United States Congress (the House of Representatives and Senate). Joint sessions are heid on special occasions such as the State of the Union Address, counting electoral votes and the presidential inaugurations. In addition to this, Joint Sessions happen to hear to speeches of foreign heads of states or military leaders. Congress sometimes meets to mark the anniversary of a historical event. It is Article One of the American Constitution that lists the general powers of the Congress Duties and responsibilities of the Congress as written in the Constitution -regulating money and trade by printing and coining money, levying and collecting taxes or regulating commerce between states -providing for national defense by maintaining Army, Navy and Air Force or declaring war -making laws regarding naturalization of persons seeking citizenship Separate responsibilities of the House of Representatives -Introducing bills(proposed laws) dealing with the budged and taxes -Impeaching officials 05.03.2012 NATIONAL GOVERNMENT The Executive Branch The President and Presidency The Executive Branch is made up of: - the President - the Vice President - the executive departments - the independent agencies The job of the executive branch is to enforce(wprowadzić w życie) the laws The 44th and current president of the United States of America. Barack Obama won the 2008 United States presidential election on November 4. He became the first African- American President. According to the Constitution the President of the U.S.A. - must be: 1. a natural-born citizen of the United States 2. At least 35 years old by the time he/she will serve 3. have lived in the United States at least 14 years The President of the U.S.A. -is chosen in a national election for a four-year term office -He may be re-elected for a second term -Candidates are chosen by their political parties -The largest parties in the U.S. are DEMOCRATS & REPUBLICANS The Democratic Party The Republican Party (Grand Old Party) Two party system The presidential election stages State level -Each party holds primary elections called caucuses in every state -Then in summer (before the election) delegates from every state meet together to choose candidates for the President and Vice-president and to determine the party's program called platform.!!! The campaign -It starts traditionally on Labour Day (the first Monday in September) -STAGE ONE -National General Election (the first Tuesday in November)- people cast their ballots for the President and Vice-President- popular votes Voting age in the U.S.A. 18 years old Participation in the election around 60% of eligible voting population STAGE TWO -Mid-December Electoral College members (electors) cast their official electoral votes ELECTORAL COLLEGE -It consists of 538 electors -Each state has as many electors as it has Senators and Representatives -To get a majority, a presidential candidate must receive 270 electoral votes -The principle- winner takes all STAGE THREE -January (the beginning of January) Joint session of the Congress takes place Electoral documents are opened electoral votes are counted and the official results are presented 12.03.2012 January 20th -New President is formally inaugurated and starts his work The President's oath (Art. II, Sec.1 of the Constitution) - I do solemnly swear that I will faithfully execute the Office of President of the United States of America and will to the best of my ability preserve, protect, and defend the Constitution of the United States President's main powers and responsibilities 1. To enforce laws and treaties 2. To conduct foreign policy 3. To serve as Commander in Chief of the armed forces 4. To approve or veto the bills passed by the Congress 5. When appropriate, to pardon people found guilty of breaking the federal law 6. To appoint people to certain positions subject to Senate approval -Cabinet members or heads of departments -Heads of independent agencies -Supreme Court Justices and judges of other federal courts -To advise the Congress on his/her perception of the nation's needs. Terms to remember: -A lame duck=old president (from Nov. to election has no power bot has duties) -A running mate= vice-president Vice-President -The second highest office in the country next to the Presidency -The only other elected person in the executive branch -His chief constitutional duty is to preside over the Senate -His most important function is to success to the presidency upon the death, resignation or disability of the President Out of 44 American Presidents -8 died in office -1 resigned (Richard Nixon) -4 were assassinated Abraham Lincoln James A. Garfield William McKinley J.F Kennedy What happens when both the President and Vice-President are not able to serve? The succession to the Presidency -The Speaker of the House of Representatives -Then the President pro-tempore of the Senate -The Secretary of the State -Then other Cabinet members in a set order The Cabinet -The body that comprises the heads of the executive departments (Secretaries). They are chosen by the President with advice and consent of the Senate The important of these departments is -The Department of State headed by Hillary Clinton who advices the President on foreign affairs -The Department handles all peaceful dealing with other countries The Department of Treasury -Recommends fiscal policy to the President -Manages government finances -Operates the Internal Revenue Service The other Departments -The Department of Defense is responsible for nation's safety -The Department of Justice headed by the Attorney General Responsible for investigating and prosecuting violations of federal law Independent Agencies -NASA- National Aeronautics and Space Administration -USIA- the United States Information Agency -The Commission on Civil Rights 19.03.2012 AMERICAN VALUES and BELIEFS -Freedom -Individualism -Idealising what is practical -Psychology of abundance -Mobility -Volunteerism -American Dream -Patriotism Idealising what is practical -Emerged in the context of the frontier experience -What works is what counts -Pragmatic outlook on life -Belief that the value of knowledge is related to its usefullness Psychology of abundance -Regarding the country as a land of limitless wealth and resources -Frontier experience Mobility -Pioneers made their journey westward as they believed they could establish a better life for themselves and their children -Now Americans move with the same sense of optimism to: 1) to find better employment possibilities 2) to enjoy a warmer climate 3) to start a new life -An average American moves 14 times in his lifetime Volunteerism -People help people through privately- initiated rather than government- sponsored agencies -6 out of 10 Americans are members of a volunteer organization PEACE CORPS American Dream -The belief that any individual no matter how poor can achieve wealth and fame through hard work, thrift and virtue -Rags to riches stories by Horatio Alger -Be your own boss Patriotism -American patriotism is concentrated on the particular historic event- the creation of the nation as a new start and upon the idea of freedom 26.03.212 The Judicial Branch responsible for explaining and interpreting law -There are two systems of courts in the United States a) Federal court system- deals with disputes about laws that apply to the entire United States b) State court systems- mostly deal with disputes about state law Whether people take their case to a federal or state court depends on the laws involved in the case. Federal system of courts -Supreme Court headed by the Chief Justice (9 judges called justices appointed by the President) ↓ Circuit Courts of Appeals (13) ↓ District Courts (trail courts) “the lowest level of federal courts” State system of courts -State Supreme Court ↓ -Country courts ↓ -Cite courts ↓ -Justice of peace (a local judge) The Supreme Court of the U.S.A. -The highest court in the country in the economy- can not be abolished except by amending the Constitution -Nine judges called justices sit in it -The Supreme Court has two types of authority 1. As an appellate court it can overturn decisions made by lower courts 2. It can declare a state or federal law unconstitutional the decision is final Legal System Sources of Law: -Constitutional Law Federal constitutional law originates from the U.S. constitution State constitutional law originates from the individual state constitution -Statues and Ordinances are legislation passed on the federal, state, or local levels Common Law is based on the concept of precedence- on how the courts have interpreted the law. Under common law the facts of a particular case are determined and compared to previous cases having similar facts in order to reach a decision by analogy. Common law applies mostly at the state level. It originated in the 13th century when royal judges began recording their decisions and the reasoning behind the decisions. Administrative Law- federal, state, and local level. Administrative law is made by administrative agencies that define the intent of the legislative body that passed the law. The law based on precedent A court decision that is cited as an example or analogy to resolve similar questions of law in later cases. The Anglo-American common-law tradition is built on the doctrine of Stare Decisis ("stand by decided matters"), which directs a court to look to past decisions for guidance on how to decide a case before it. This means that the legal rules applied to a prior case with facts similar to those of the case now before a court should be applied to resolve the legal dispute. Trial by jury -The US Constitution requires that any accused person must have every opportunity to demonstrate his/her innocence in a public trial and to be judged innocent or guilty on the basis of evidence presented to a group of citizens called a jury. Controversial issues -Handguns -Abortion -In vitro -Death penalty- allowed in 34 states -In 2009 it was banned in New Mexico 2.04.2012 American System of Education -school year begins after Labor Day (1st Tuesday in September) Labor Day- 1st Monday in September -students (kindergartens-universities) over 60mln students -high value for education- education as a very important issue. Access to the good quality education (for
everybody) -1635- first school was established by Pilgrims (Massachusetts) 1) Boston Latin School -public secondary school in Massachusetts, the oldest existing school in the U.S. -Its establishment in 1635 as the Latin Grammar School, open to all boys regardless of social class, set a precedent for tax-supported public education -based on the English Grammar School, its purpose was to educate young men in the classics as a preparation for university entrance 2) How it started? -In 1642 European settlers in Massachusetts passed laws replacing all communities to hire school masters and provide their children with schools -they taught religion, laws (capital laws of the new country) -
requirement- after completing schools ->basis of religion and laws demonstration of reading, writing, understanding of religions principles; laws of the country April 14, 1642 -principles of religion and the capital laws of the commonwealth First Elementary School in America handbook- alphabet + prayers 3) Features of education -uniform -educational districts in the country -Board of Education- refer to education problem (Kuratorium oświaty) 4) Common features Feature ONE of American Education: -American education was shaped by the
American belief in a free, democratic society -Every American has to be educated so that he can understand and take part in affairs of the government -Education is a key that opens the door to responsible and productive Feature TWO of American Education: -The absence of a national administration or structure -each state controls and directs its own schools -educational requirements are set by the state legislature. Public schools are managed by local communities There is no uniform school systems/organization Common feature: I. Every American is entitled to an education II. School attendance is compulsory for all children III. Students attend school five to seven hours a day, five days a week, for nine months each year, from September to June IV. Public education from kindergarten through grade 12 is tax supported
V. Schools are locally controlled VI. Schools are coeducational VII. They are free from religious influence 5) Goals of American education: 1.High general level of education Access to good quality of education, high standard of education for everyone Providing a high quality of education for all children is critical to America's economic future 2.Americanization Making Americans all of children in schools 1983-the Bilingual Act (children should be taught in their mother tongue) assistants helped them (instructions in mother tongue) According to this act: -passed and the aim was to teach schools fit at their mother tongue (4 million children nowadays). They have to have an assistant provided. At the beginning school and class instrument are in matter tongue to overcome difficulties. Types of schools in the U.S.A. -Public-85% supported by state or local taxes -Private-15% students' families pay special tuition fee run by religious group- Parochial (parafia) run by private owners- Nondenominational 16.04.2012 JOHN DEWEY AND HIS PROGRESSIVE EDUCATION PROGRESSIVISM - a theory of education that is concerned with „learning by doing” and states that children learn best when pursuing their interest and satisfying their own needs. John Dewey said: “Education is life itself” JOHN DEWEY and his PROGRESSIVE EDUCATION (teaching by doing) Common features 1. Every American is entitled to an education 2. School attendance is compulsory for all children 3. Students attend school five to seven hours a day, five days a week, for nine months each year, from September to June 4. Public education from kindergarten through grade 12 is tax supported 5. Schools are locally controlled 6. Schools are coeducational 7. They are free from religious influence John Dewey (1859-1952) “Education is life itself” John Dewey Father of educational philosophy Transfer of learning Progressivism at a glance 1. Purpose of Schooling 2. Nature of the Learner 3. Curriculum 4. Instructional Methods 5. Classroom Management 6. Assessment 7. The Progressivist Teacher 8. Leading Educational Proponents Elementary and secondary education in the U.S.A. System of education Elementary school subjects -Mathematics -Language arts -Penmanship (act of hand-writing)- kaligrafia -Science -Social studies -Music -Art -Physical education -Computer science Elementary school -goal is to bring children together, teach them cooperation, lets have to assimilate -NO foreign language Secondary school- grades 7-12 -High school education up to the age of 18 is available to everyone -There is no problem with gaining admission to a high school !Secondary is the obligatory education! Secondary school CORE(obligatory) subjects -English -Mathematics -Science -Social studies -Physical education -Computer courses In addition to this `core' curriculum students have to choose `elective' courses(subjects) in the areas of interests - at least five Three levels of elective courses 1. Academic level 2. Vocational program 3. General or comprehensive program Common types of electives include: Visual arts (drawing, sculpture, painting, photography, film studies, and art history) Performing arts (choir, drama, band, orchestra, dance, guitar) Vocational education (woodworking, metalworking, computer-aided drafting, automobile repair, agriculture, cosmetology,) Computer science/information technology/media technologies (word processing, programming, graphic design, computer club, Web design and web programming, video game design, music production, film production) Journalism/publishing (school newspaper, yearbook, television production) Foreign languages: (French, German, Italian, and Spanish are common; Chinese, Japanese, Russian, Greek, Latin, Korean, Dutch, Portuguese, and American Sign Language are less common, though the former two are gaining increased popularity. Business Education: Accounting, Data Processing, Entrepreneurship, Finance, General Business, Information and Communication Technology, Management, Marketing, and Secretarial Family and consumer science/health (nutrition, nursing, culinary, child development, and additional physical education and weight training classes) Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps Some American high schools offer drivers' education. At some schools, a student can take it during school as a regular course for a credit. At some schools, drivers education courses are only available after school. Student should choose at least five solid courses Popular grading schemes -A- excellent -B- good -C- average -D- below average -F- failing -P- pass -S- satisfactory -N- no credit Percentage scales 100%- highest mark 70(65)%- the lowest passing mark 23.04.2012 The system of education in the U.S.A. We have to pay for education in the U.S.A. A high school diploma has to be presented TRANSCRIPT In Poland different types of secondary school, usually separated buildings. In the U.S.A. one school for all students, providing different courses for different students. After finishing-> High School diploma After a school year they get a report card- (issued at least twice a year, in some schools six times a year) grades achieved by students; to inform the parents a transcript- issued by American Secondary school- summary of courses and grades obtained by each student University studies are NOT free If students want to be admitted to the University, they: -present High School Diploma, a transcript and scores of SAT to the Director of the University SAT-Scholastic Aptitude Test ACT- American College Testing Program Standardized examinations for students-to-be ACT is more popular in western part of country SAT- a placement test, reading comprehen.,science; social and natural sciences; mathematics; English measures verbal and mathematical abilities are given in the same time at the country -have to present the score to the University Authorities -recommendations from High School teachers (about 2) -an interview (in some universities) After admitting, a student chooses subjects “major” + “electives” more than 1,000 major subjects System of Higher Education (4 categories) 1.a university -several colleges (four years)-> for undergraduate studies-> a bachelor's degree -a graduate school beyond the bachelor's degree-> a master's degree(2 years)-> a doctor's degree 2.four-year college(liberal arts college) no part of a university; Polish PWSZ-> a bachelor's degree-> a master's degree at a university 3.two-year college (a community college) -> students who haven't decided what to do -a university or college -a job 4.a technical school (six months or 4 years) ->e.g. hairstyling -get a job ->bachelor's degree 7.05.2012 Religion in the U.S.A. What the American Constitution says about it: -The State and the church are separated religion separated from all governmental methods -people came here to escape the religious persecution -constitution guarantee of religious freedom 1st Amendment- establishment of any national religion is forbidden Americans can practice whatever they choose or not practice Religion is always present in social and political life -references to God - American currency inscription- “In God we trust” -The Seal of the U.S.- biblical inscription; Rebellion to God; is obedience to God -Elementary schools start with a ceremony (one child hold the American flag when the other recites the pledge of allegiance of American flag) “One nation under God” -every session of the congress begins with the prayer to God -every president takes an oath on the Bible during the inauguration -religion is present in politics, society -politics make references to Bible or God Decline of religion in Poland but in America the other way around 9/10- Americans believe in different religion a census- people aren't asked about their religious beliefs Structure of the American religion Three Faiths Model (3 major faiths) 1. Protestantism≈52% 2. Catholicism≈24% (build thousands of schools in Washington D.C.) 3. Judaism≈2% ad 1. Protestantism- 220 different denominations groups -Baptists -The United Methodists -Lutherans “The Bible Belt”- from Carolina to Texas (a lot of Baptists live there) white & black Baptists NOT go to the same church although they believe in the same God ad 2. they are dividing in smaller groups The Basilica in Washington- the biggest Catholic Church in the U.S.A. ad 3. a lot of Jews have a sort of contribution The other group: -> Islam 0,4 % black slaves following Islam immigrants (well-educated) Diversity 1. Marmons live in Utah They follow the Church of Jesus Christ the Latter Day Saints (full name of church) They believe that Jesus died on the cross; they believe in his resurrection 2. the Amish- very strict Protestants originated from Europe; they rejected the idea of the State Church, in the 16th c. they were prosecuted. In XVIII they migrated to Pennsylvania. They don't use modern technology, lifestyle; they don't have church, they pray at homes; they are simple farmers called “the Plain People”- (they dress in very plain style) They refuse to participate in civil social life (don't serve in the army, don't vote) Their children finish their education after elementary school Their philosophy is based on agriculture 14.05.2012 ECONOMY American Economy System- Free Enterprise System -all private business activities don't suffer from governmental interference -freedom to cooperate for profit with minimum government interference and (influence) regulation Adam Smith -he created the system. He gave theoretical bases Scottish “Leave it alone”- leave the business alone Strong influence on American capitalism “An Inquing into the nature and causes of wealth of nations”- one of the most important book about economy “The Wealth of Nations (1776)” -main argument of the book-> human beings are selfish, we want to get rich so we engage ourselves into producing, trading etc. It is good for society. This shouldn't be interfered. The more we produce, the more products is on the market. It also creates jobs. “an invisible hand”- according to Smith people are led by this in order to get rich -producers= market economy-business decision -consumers= -government-> regulates some areas of business -product safety -the labour conditions -passes some laws about assuring reasonable and fair competition Three kinds of business in the U.S.A. 1. single owner operated business 2. partnership 3. corporation 1/5- economic activities in public sector 4/5- in private hands 2006- the most famous crisis in the U.S.A. Industrial and technological production: The U.S. is the leading producer of: -electrical energy -aluminum -copper -paper -natural gas -oil -automobiles Agriculture -highly mechanized, commercialized -country that possesses nature's bounty It produces: very cheap and big amounts of drops, using chemicals -American cropland 1/3 is cultivated with the aim of export: (corn, wheat, cotton, tobacco) For export: -machinery, -automobile products, -chemicals, -aircrafts For import: -iron products -steel products -petroleum products -machinery (mainly from Japan) 21.05.2012 American measures and weights Temperature: Fahrenheit C->F (C * 9/5) + 32 Centigrade: Fahrenheit: 100 (boiling poin) 212 25 77 10 50 0(freezing point) 32 -10 14 F->C (F - 32) * 5/9 Units of length - 1 inch= 2,54 cm - 12 inches= 1 foot= 30,479 cm - 3 feet= 1 yard= 0,91 metre - 1 mile= 1,609 km - 1 nautical mile- 1882 m The length of Grand Canyon: 277 miles= 445,693 km She is 5 feet six inches tall 5 ft 6 in (5'6”) I'm 165cm= 65 inches 5 feet 5 inches (5'5”) tall Units of weight: 1 ounce (oz)= 28,35g 1 pound (lb)=16 ounces= 0,454kg 59kg= 129,95 lb Units of Capacity: 1 pint= 0,56l 1 gallon= 3,785l Date- European System 21.05.2012 The twenty first of May two thousand and twelve (Ame) May, the twenty first two thousand and twelve 5.4.1989 (Ame) May the fourth, nineteen eighty nine the fifth of April, nineteen eighty nine Denomination of U.S. currency Amount(notes) Portraits on notes $1 Washington $2 Jefferson $5 Lincoln $10 Hamilton $20 Jackson $50 Grant $100 Franklin Coins 1¢- a cent- a penny 5¢- five cents- a nickel 10¢-ten cents- a dime 25¢- twenty five cents- a quarter -a dollar- a buck 1 000 000 000- milliard (EU) 1 000 000 000- billion (Ame) Federal System of government The federal system the division of governmental powers which keeps either states or the central government from having too much power. Governmental power -the central national government -the state government Central national government -dealing with foreign policy -making peace or war -regulating commerce -establishing a monetary policy State governments -public school systems -local police protection -fire protection -roads, etc Powers shared by the federal and state governments -raise taxes -provide for the public welfare -criminal justice -borrow money -charter banks -build roads Most state governments are quite similar to the national government Each is headed by an elected executive called a governor (gubernator) Illinois state governor- Pat Quim Federal system of government Federal government (based on the U.S. Constitution) State government (quite similar to the national government based on a state constitution, headed by governor) Local government (not based directly on a constitution) TYPES: City Country Township Village State government -state government is based on a state constitution -State Constitution does not contradict the U.S. Constitution -Each state has a republic form of governments with a senate and a house of representative -three branches of government State Constitutions must respect the federal law and cannot make laws that interfere with the laws of other states (e.g. divorce) The head of every state government is a governor -He /she executed the laws passed by the state's legislature -serves as the Head of State's National Guard (military force which helps people, affected by natural disasters) - pardons or decrease sentences of people convicted in the state courts, if appropriate Local governments have authority to: -raise taxes -try people accused of breaking laws or ordinance -administer local programs Provide two types of services: -protective services (police and fire protection) -those needed by the local area, building and repairing roads, collecting garbage -maintaing schools -running elections -maintaing courts and jails -collecting taxes -keeping official records, birth, marriage, or death certificates Head of a local government is a major. Emanuel Rham (major of Chicago)