Political System of the USA Flashcards
What are the key Republican Ideas?
Minimal government intervention in business and daily life, conservative policies and low taxes
What are the key Democrat ideas?
Government intervention in business and daily life, to help improve civil rights and progressive reform, with more taxes
Define ‘Separation of Powers’
Laws are made by Congress, carried out by the Presidential Administration and enforced by the Supreme Court. Means no one group can gain too much power to avoid a tyranny
What 3 areas make up the Federal Government
Legislature (Law-makers like Congress)
Executive (Carries out laws, President)
Judiciary (Courts, Applies/Interprets Laws)
What 3 areas make up State Government
Legislature (Lawmaking body like State General Assembly)
Executive (Carries out laws State Governor)
Judiciary (Applies/Interprets Laws in court)
Who makes up the federal and state legislature
Senate + House of Representatives
Which 3 groups advise the President
President’s Cabinet, Vice President, Armed Forces
Which 2 groups advise state governors
Lieutenant Governor and State National Guard
What is the hierarchy of federal judiciaries
Supreme Court (can overrule) Court of Appeals (which can overrule) District Courts
What is the hierarchy of state judiciaries
State Supreme Court (can overrule) State court of appeals (which can overrule) Trial courts
How does Local Government work
Divide into State counties, some cities/towns have their own municipal government.
Varies from place to place in setup
What are Local Government responsibilities?
Running local services such as water, power, rubbish collection etc, and have control of local planning
