System of Government Flashcards
Name one branch or part of the government
Congress (Legislative) President (Executive) The courts (Judicial)
What stops one branch of government from becoming too powerful?
check & balances. separation of powers. E.g: Congress “checking” the executive. The judicial branch “checking” Congress
Who is in charge of the executive branch?
President
Who makes federal laws?
Congress (Senate & House of Rep)
What are the two parts of the US. Congress?
Senate and House of Representatives
How many US Senators are there?
- two for each state (50 states)
We elect a US Senator for how many years?
six years
Who is one of your state’s US Senators now?
Dianne Feinstein or Kamala D Harris
The HOR has how many voting members?
435
We elect a US Rep for how many years?
two
Name your US Rep.
Scott Peters - San Diego (52nd District) Congressman
Who does a US Senator Represent?
all people of the state
Why do some states have more Rep than other states?
because some states have more people
We elect a President for how many years?
four
In what month do we vote for President?
November
What is the name of the President of the USA now?
Donald Trump
What is the name of the vice president?
Mike Pence
If the president can no longer serve, who becomes the President?
The vice president
If both the President and the Vice President can no longer serve, who become the President?
Speaker of the House
Who is the commander in Chief of the military?
The President
Who sign the bills to become laws?
The President
Who vetoes Bills?
the President
What does the President’s Cabinet do?
advise the President
How many cabinet positions are there? List two
- Secretary of Education. Secretary of Homeland Security
What does the judicial branch do?
review laws. explain laws. resolves disputes. decides if a law goes against the Constitution
What is the highest court in the USA?
Supreme Court
How many justices are on the Supreme Court?
Nine (9) - eight associates & one Chief Justice
Who is the Chief Justice of the USA now?
John Roberts
Under our Constitution, what is one power of the federal government?
to print money. to declare war. to create an army. to make treaties
Under our Constitution, What is one power of the state?
provide schooling & education. provide protection (police). provide safety (fire). approving zoning and land use
Who is the governor of your state now?
Gavin Newsom
How is the governor of a state analogous to the President of the federal government?
Governor is the executive of the state just like The president is the head of the executive branch.
What is the capital of your state?
Sacramento
What are two major political parties in the USA?
Democratic and Republican
What is the political party of the President now?
Republican
What is the the name of the Speaker of the House?
Nancy Pelosi
