Basic Info on the American Political System Flashcards
1
Q
Why is the federal government separate into three different branches?
A
To limit the power of a group/person
2
Q
What is the executive branch of the government?
A
- Run by the president
- Advised by vice-president and cabinet
- Carries out government policies
- Departments involved: State department (foreign policy), Treasury (economy), defence (security + army)
- Law enforcement - can send out army/troops
3
Q
What is the legislative branch of the government?
A
- Congress made up of Senate and House of Representatives
- Passes laws
- President may not come from same political party that is majority in Congress
4
Q
What is the judicial branch of the government?
A
- Led by the supreme court
- Interprets and applies laws in court
- Ensures laws passed are constitutional
- Resolves legal disputes
5
Q
Why does the state government hold a lot of power?
A
- Control over most laws that apply within each state - e.g. education, use of death penalty
- National guard ordered by governor (can be overruled by president) enforces the law
- Federal law overrides state law
6
Q
What are amendments?
A
- Changes to the constitution
- Requires 2/3 majority of Congress, 3/4 of States given formal approval (ratification)
6
Q
What is the constitution?
A
A set of basic laws and principles that governs a country
7
Q
What helps enforce the law?
A
- Federal Law Enforcement Agencies: FBI, army
- State Law Enforcement Agencies: police, sheriffs, state patrol
