GOVERNMENT: System of Government Flashcards
Name one branch or part of the government.
Any ONE of these answers:
- Executive / President
- Legislative / Congress
- Judicial / The courts
What stops one branch of government from becoming too powerful?
Separation of powers & Checks and balances.
Who is in charge of the executive branch?
The President
Who makes federal laws?
Congress
What are the two parts of the U.S. Congress?
The Senate and House of Representatives
How many U.S. Senators are there?
One hundred (100)
We elect a U.S. Senator for how many years?
Six (6)
The House of Representatives has how many voting members?
Four hundred thirty-five (435)
We elect a U.S. Representative for how many years?
Two (2)
Who does a U.S. Senator represent?
All people of the state
Why do some states have more Representatives than other states?
Because of the state’s population
We elect a President for how many years?
Four (4)
In what month do we vote for President
November
If the President can no longer serve, who becomes President?
The Vice President
If both the President and the Vice President can no longer serve, who becomes President?
The Speaker of the House
Who is the Commander in Chief of the military?
The President
Who signs bills to become laws?
The President
Who vetoes bills?
The President
What does the President’s Cabinet do?
Advises the President
What are two Cabinet-level positions?
(1) Vice President
(2) Attorney General
Other options could be:
(3) Secretary of Defense
(4) Secretary of Agriculture
(5) Secretary of Commerce
(6) Secretary of Education
What does the judicial branch do?
Reviews, explains and resolves disputes about laws.
Also:
Decides if a law goes against the Constitution
What is the highest court in the United States?
The Supreme Court
Under our Constitution, some powers belong to the federal government. What is one power of the federal
government?
Any ONE of these answers
- To print money
- To declare war
- To create an army
- To make treaties
Under our Constitution, some powers belong to the states. What is one power of the states?
Any ONE of these answers
- Provide schooling and education
- Provide protection (police)
- Provide safety (fire departments)
- Give a driver’s license
- Approve zoning and land use
What are the two major political parties in the United States?
Democratic and Republican
