System of Government Flashcards
Name one part/branch of govt
Congress/legislative
President/executive
Courts/judicial
What stops one govt branch from becoming too powerful?
Checks & balances - each branch can block (/threaten to) actions of the others.
- senate can block treaty signed by president; courts can reject law passed by congress.
Separation of powers.
Who’s in charge of executive branch?
President - branch executes and enforces federal laws.
President is head of state and govt.
Who makes federal laws?
Congress (senate and House of Representatives)/ national legislature
What are two parts of congress?
Senate
House of Representatives
How many US senators?
100
How long is a senator elected for?
6 years
Who is one of the VA senators now?
Tim Kaine (D) Mark Warner (D)
Name your US representative
Gerald E. Connolly (D)
Who is the VA governor?
Terry McAuliffe
Who’s the speaker of the House?
Paul Ryan
For how long do we elect a US representative?
2 years
Who does a US senator represent?
All the people of the state
Why do some states have more Representatives than other states?
Because of the state’s population (some states have more people)
How long is a president elected for?
4
When do we vote for President?
November
Who is the current President?
Obama
Who is the VP?
Joe Biden
Who becomes President if the president can no longer serve?
VP
If the Pres and VP can’t serve, who becomes President?
Speaker of the House
Who’s the commander in chief of the military?
President
Who signs bills into law?
President
Who vetoes bills?
President
What does President’s cabinet do?
Advises the President
What are two cabinet-level positions?
Secretary of:
Agriculture, commerce, defense, education, energy, health & human services, homeland security, housing & urban development, interior, labor, state, transportation, treasury, veterans affairs
Attorney general
Vice President
What does the judicial branch do?
Reviews, explains laws
Resolves disputes
Decides if a law goes against the Constitution
What’s the highest court?
Supreme Court
How many justices on the Supreme Court?
9
Who is the Chief Justice?
John Roberts
What’s one power of the federal government?
Print money
Declare war
Create an army
To make treaties
What’s one power of the states?
Provide schooling and education Provide protection (police) Provide safety (fire dept) Give drivers license Approve zoning and land use
What’s the capital of VA?
Richmond
What are the 2 major political parties in the US?
Democratic, Republican
What’s the political party of the President now?
Democratic Party
How many in the House of Representatives?
435
