Unit 14 Presidential System Flashcards
presidential system
president and Congress have separate authority
both elected and have a fixed term of office
congress
legislative branch of the American government
House of Representative and the Senate
separation of powers
executive, legislative, and judicial branched are separate
different personnel and bases of authority
checks and balances system
three branches of gov’t can check the actions of the others so that no one branch/individual gets too powerful
president
BOTH head of state and head of government
ceremonial duties AND executive branch
also involved in legislation (proposes laws as well)
Cabinet and Executive Offices
not a key decision making body
presidential selection
US citizens vote for members of the Electoral College who are devoted to casting their ballot for a particular candidate
need a majority vote, otherwise is elected by House of Representatives
impeachment
process that removes president/public officials if accused and convicted of criminal activity by the legislative body
vice president
handpicked by presidential candidate as an election running mate
can help appeal to various other people
American Congress
legislative body made up of
- House of Representatives
- Senate
usually votes for what they see fit, not for their party
House of Representatives
lower chamber of Congress
elected every two years from districts
Senate
upper chamber of Congress
two senators elected by voters in each state
6 year term
presidential veto
ability for the president to prevent a bill from being passed
prez can veto a congress bill (unless there is a two thirds majority)
political gridlock
legislation is unable to be passed due to tension between the president and one or both of the Houses of Congress controlled by opposing parties
semi-presidential system
elected president with fixed term shares executive power with a PM and cabinet who are collectively responsible to an elected legislature
