Systems Of Government Flashcards
What stops one branch of the government from becoming too powerful?
Checks and balances
Separation of powers
Name one branch or part of the government
Congress Legislative President Executive The courts Judicial
Who is in charge of the executive branch?
The President
Who makes federal laws?
Congress
Senate and House (of Representatives)
US or nation legislature
What are the two parts of the US Congress?
The Senate and House of Representatives
How many US Senators are there?
100
We elect a US senator for how many years?
6
Who is one of your state’s US Senators now?
Kirsten E. Gillibrand
Charles E. Schumer
The House of Representatives has how many voting members?
435
We elect a U.S. rep for how many years?
2
Name your US Rep
Steve Israel (Democrat) 3rd Congressional District of NY
What does a US Senator represent?
All people of the state
Why do some states have more representatives than other states?
Because of the state’s population
Because they have more people
Because some states have more people
We elect the President for how many years?
4
In what month do we vote for President?
November
What is the name of the President of the U.S. now?
Barack Obama
What is the name of the VP of the U.S. now?
Joseph R. Biden, Jr.
If the President can no longer serve, who becomes president?
The Vice President
If both the President and Vice President can no longer serve, who becomes president?
The Speaker of the House
Who is the Commander in Chief of the Military?
The President
Who signs the bills to become laws?
The President
Who vetoes the bills?
The President
What does the President’s Cabinet do?
Advises the president
What are two Cabinet-level positions?
Secretary of: Agriculture Commerce Defense Education Energy Health and Human Sciences Homeland Security Housing and Urban Development the Interior Labor Transportation the Treasury Veterans Affairs
Attorney General
Vice President
What does the judicial branch do?
Review laws
Explains laws
Resolves disputes
Decides if a law goes against the constitution
What is highest court in the U.S.?
The Supreme Court
How many justices are on the Supreme Court?
9
Who is the Chief Justice of the US?
John Roberts
Under our Constitution, some powers belong to the federal government. What is one power of the federal government?
To print money
To declare ways create an army
To make treaties
Under our Constitution, some powers belong to the states. What is one power of the states?
Provide schooling and education Provide protection (police) Provide safety (fire departments) Give a driver's license Approve zoning and land use
Who is the Governor of your state now?
Andrew Cuomo
What is the capital of the state?
Albany
What are the two major political parties in the US?
Democratic and Republican
What is the political party of the President now?
Democratic Party
What is the name of the Speaker of the House of Representatives now?
John Boehner
There are four amendments to the Constitution about who can vote. Describe one of the them.
Citizens 18 and older can vote
You don’t have to pay to vote (poll tax)
Any citizen can vote (Women and men can vote)
A male citizen of any race can vote
What is one responsibility that is only for US citizens?
Serve on a jury
Vote in a federal election
Name one right only for US citizens
Vote in a federal election
Run for federal office
What are two rights of everyone living in the US?
Freedom of expression Freedom of speech Freedom of assembly Freedom to petition the government Freedom of worship The rights to bear arms
What do we show loyalty to when we say the Pledge of Allegiance?
The United States
The flag
What is one promise you make when you become a U.S. Citizen?
Give up loyalty to other countries defend the Constitution and laws of the United States
Obey the laws of the United States
Serve in the US military if needed
Serve the nation be loyal to the U.S.
How old do citizens have to be to vote for the President?
18 and older
What are two ways that Americans can participate in their democracy?
Vote Join a political party Help with a campaign Join a civic group Join a community group Give an elected official your opinion on an issue Call Senators and Representatives Publicly support or oppose an issue or policy Em for office Write to a newspaper
When is the last day you can send in federal income tax forms?
April 15
When must all men register for the Selective Service?
18
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