How is power divided in the USA?

Question 1

How is the US government a multi-level system?

Answer 1

Federal (whole country)
State (counties)
Local (cities/towns in each state)

Question 2

What are the three branches of government? How do they differ?

Answer 2

Executive (President/VP) = decision making
Legislature (elected rep in Congress) = law makers, approve federal judges
Judiciary (SCOTUS) - decisions in court legally binding

Question 3

What is the US constitution?

Answer 3

Rights/rules apply to all people/states, laws must fit with constitution, Congress = amend constitution with 2/3 majority states

Question 4

What are the main aims of the Republicans?

Answer 4

1. Minimal govt interference - business/daily life
2. Low taxes
3. Conservative policies

Question 5

What are the main aims of the Democrats?

Answer 5

1. Civil rights
2. Unions in workplaces/progressive reform
3. After 3930 = govt intervention social/economic reform

Question 6

What are the checks and balances in US?

Answer 6

1. Separation of powers - several branches shared power
2. Power of 1 branch can be challenged by another