U.S. Presidential Race I

Although the actual elections to determine the next President of the United States are not until the Fall of 2008, already there are several politicians running for the world’s most powerful office, in an eclectic mixture never before seen in American politics or elsewhere.

Democrats vs. Republicans | foto: Reuters

Angličtina na iDNES.cz
VŠECHNY LEKCE ZDE

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Democrats vs. Republicans
When Democratic Senator John Kerry lost his bid to unseat U.S. President George W. Bush, America was briefly called "Bush Country." This honeymoon lasted until the last Congressional election, which saw the Republicans lose control of not just one, but both houses of Congress -- Congress itself, and the vital U.S. Senate.

Today, in order for Republicans to get anything done, since they no longer control the U.S. government, they must negotiate (rather than ignore) the demands of the Democrats.

The Democrats, just like the Republicans were able to basically for the previous 12 years, can ignore Republican demands, and push through their own agenda.

Under the American system of government, like here in the Czech Republic, the President can always veto any bill passed by Congress.

When a Veto Happens
When the President vetoes any proposed laws, he then has the Vice-President send them back to Congress for reconsideration.

At this point, all legislatures have a key decision to make: do they continue to "ight on" for the bill, or do they just let it be and declare what could be called a symbolic victory? They can always tell the voters that they tried.

If they wish to push the bill through and make it a law anyway, ignoring the wishes of the President, to do so requires not only a majority of votes once again, but it requires a three-fourths or 75% percent majority.

By demanding such a high percentage, this insures that it really is "the will of the people" as represented by their Congressmen and Senators.

It is unusual for Congress to override a Presidential veto, but it certainly does happen. Part II tomorrow.

Jokes

Celebrating Dumb Butt True Laws

New Hampshire: it is illegal to sell the clothes you are wearing to pay off a gambling debt.

New Hampshire: On Sundays it is against the law to look up in the sky while you are going to the bathroom.

California: In Ventura County, California, cats and dogs are not allowed to have sex without a permit or the proper license.

California: It is against the law to wipe down one’s car with used underwear.

Virginia: It is against the law to kick your wife out of bed.

Virginia: It is against the law to spit onsea gulls.

Massachusetts: It is illegal to give a beer to a patient.

Massachusetts: It is against the law to put your gorilla in the back seat of a car, it must ride in the front.

Key Article Words in English

eclectic mixture = směsice
elsewhere = jinde
lost his bid = ztratit svou příležitost
unseat = sesadit
veto = vetovat
bill = návrh zákona
override = přehlasovat
gambling debt = dluh z hazardu
wipe down = stírat
underwear = spodní prádlo
kick your wife out of bed = vykopnout vaší ženu z postele
to spit = plivat
sea gulls = racek (pl.)
gorilla = gorila

 

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