3 Branches of Government

Question 1

The Legislative Branch-

Answer 1

Makes laws, and consists of Congress, aka The House of Representatives and the Senate.

Question 2

Requirements to be in the Legislative Branch + Terms?

Answer 2

Representative:You have to be at least 25 years old, and have had to have had U.S. citizenship for 7 years, you serve for 2 year terms. Senate:You have to be at least 30 years old, and have had to be a U.S. citizen for 9 years, serve 6 year terms.

Question 3

The Executive Branch-

Answer 3

Enforces laws, and consists of the president, vice president, and the cabinet or federal departments.

Question 4

Requirements to be president and vice president+Terms?

Answer 4

President and Vice President: A natural born American citizen, at least 35 years old, and have lived in the U.S. for 14 years. They serve 4 year terms, and can serve up to 2 terms, or 8 years.

Question 5

The Judicial Branch-

Answer 5

Enforces laws, and consists of the Supreme Court of 9 justices and federal courts.

Question 6

Requirements to be in the Supreme Court+terms?

Answer 6

There are no set requirements to be on the Supreme Court, and people on the Supreme Court don’t have specific terms, and usually serve for life.

Question 7

What is Separation of Powers?

Answer 7

A process that keeps any 1 branch from becoming too powerful by dividing up responsibilities.

Question 8

What is Checks and Balances?

Answer 8

A process that limits the power of the 3 branches by having each branch watch over the other 2. Power is balanced because they keep eachother in check.

Question 9

What are some examples of Checks and Balances for each branch?

Answer 9

Executive Branch: The President can veto/reject a bill that the Congress accepts.
Legislative Branch: Congress can override that if there is a 2/3 majority vote in each house. Congress can also impeach any federal officials they believe go against conduct.
Judicial Branch:The Judicial Branch can enforce Judicial Review, which means they can check on any action from any other branch, and declare if unconstitutional, and check/challenge any laws.

Question 10

Federal vs State Powers?

Answer 10

State: Conduct elections, establish local governments, establish schools, regular marriage, divorce, adoption, etc.
Federal: Coin money, set up a postal system, maintain military forces, declare war, regulate immigration, etc.

Question 11

What is the purpose of the government?

Answer 11

So the country has a sense of leadership and order is maintained.