System of Government Flashcards
Name the three branches of government
Legislative, executive, and judicial
congress, president, and the courts
The President of the United States is in charge of which branch of government
Executive branch
What part of the federal government writes laws?
Congress
Legislature
What are the two parts of the US congress?
Senate and House of representatives
Name one power of the US Congress
Write laws
Declares war
Makes the federal budget
How many US senators are there?
100
How long is a term for a US senator?
6 years
How many voting members are in the House of Representatives?
435
How many voting members are in the House of Representatives?
435
How long is a term for a member of the House of Representatives?
2 years
Why do US representatives serve shorter terms than US senators?
To more closely follow public opinion
How many senators does each state have?
2
Why does each state have two senators?
Equal representation (for small states) The Great Compromise
Who does a US senator represent?
Citizens of their state
Who does a US senator represent?
Citizens of their state
Who elects US senators?
Citizens from their state
Who elects US senators?
Citizens from their state
Who does a member of the House of Representatives represent?
Citizens in their (congressional) district
Who elects members of the House of Representatives?
Citizens from their (congressional) district
Some states have more representative than other states. Why?
Because they have more people
Because of the state’s population
The President of the United States is elected for ho many years
4 years
The President of the United States can serve only two terms. Why?
the 22nd amendment
to keep the president from becoming too powerful
If the president can no longer serve, who becomes president?
The Vice President
Name one power of the president
Signs bills into law Vetoes bills Enforces laws Commander in Chief Chief diplomat
Name one power of the president
Signs bills into law Vetoes bills Enforces laws Commander in Chief Chief diplomat
Who is Commander in Chief of the US military?
The President
Who signs bills to become laws?
The President
Who signs bills to become laws?
The President
Who vetos bills
The President
Who appoints federal judges?
The President
The executive branch has many parts. Name one.
The President
Cabinet
Federal departments and agenciews
What does the President’s Cabinet do?
Advises the President
What are two Cabinet-level positions?
Vice President Attorney General Secretary of State Secretary of Defense Secretary of Education
Why is the Electoral College important?
It decides who is elected president
It provides a compromise between the popular election of the president and congressional selection
What is one part of the judicial branch?
Supreme Court
Federal Courts
What does the judicial branch do?
Review laws
Explain laws
Resolves disputes about the law
Decides if a law goes against the Constitution
What is the highest court in the United States
Supreme Court
Ho many seats are on the Supreme Court
9
How many Supreme Court justices are usually needed to decide a case?
5
How long do Supreme Court justices serve?
For life, until retirement
Supreme Court justices serve for life. Why?
To be independent of politics
To limit outside influence
Who is the Chief Justice of the United States now?
John G. Roberts, Jr.,
Name one power that is only for the federal government
Print paper money Mint coins Declare war Create an army Make treaties Set foreign policy
Name one power that is only for the states
Provide schooling and education Provide protection (police) Provide safety (fire department) Give a driver's license Approve zoning and land use
What is the purpose of the 10th Amendment?
Powers not given to the federal government belong to the states or to the people
