UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT
Words to Know
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The U.S. Constitution
Written in 1787, it outlines the plan of government for the United States of America.
Three different “branches”, of the government were established, Legislative, Executive and Judicial
These three branches have separate roles and responsibilities, but are equal in their importance and power.
The legislative branch
The Constitution created Congress.
Congress has two parts: The Senate and The House of Representatives.
The main duty of the Legislative branch is to make laws.
THE LEGISLATIVE BRANCH TOTAL NUMBER OF MEMBERS
HOUSE – 435 SENATE - 100
NUMBER OF MEMBERS FROM EACH STATE HOUSE - Based on the state population. SENATE - Equal number for each state; two per state.
QUALIFICATIONS HOUSE - At least 25 years of age, citizen for 7 years, and a
resident of state where elected. SENATE - At least 30 years of age, citizen for 9 years, and a
resident for the state where elected.
THE LEGISLATIVE BRANCH LENGTH OF ONE TERM IN OFFICE
HOUSE - 2 years SENATE - 6 years
PRESIDING OFFICERS HOUSE - Speaker of the House; elected by
members of the House.SENATE - Vice-President of the U.S.;
named President of the Senate. President pro tempore; elected by members of Senate.
THE LEGISLATIVE BRANCH
POWERSPass bills Raise, borrow and coin
money Declare war
John Boehner
Johnny Isakson
Saxby Chambliss
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US Government
Legislative Branch
The Executive Branch
The main executive officers are the President and Vice-President.
They are assisted by a group of advisors, called the Cabinet, who help in running the federal government.
The main duty of the Executive branch is to carry out laws. This means to put laws into action.
The Executive Branch
LENGTH OF ONE TERM 4 years
MAXIMUM NUMBER OF TERMSNo more than two full terms
The Executive Branch
QUALIFICATIONSNatural (native) born citizenAt least 35 years of ageResident for the U.S for at least 14 years
ORDER OF SUCCESSION TO PRESIDENCY:Vice President Speaker of the House President pro tempore of the Senate
The Executive Branch
SPECIAL POWERS OF THE PRESIDENT:Commander in chief of the armed forcesGrant pardons and reprieves in federal
casesMust give State of the Union Address once a
yearCall special sessions of Congress
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US Government
Executive Branch Legislative Branch
The Judicial branch
The main judicial body is the Supreme Court which is the highest court in the land. There are two levels of lower courts,
including the District Court and the Courts of Appeals.
The main duty of the Judicial branch is to interpret laws. This means to explain what laws mean.
The Judicial branch
MAIN COURTSHighest: Supreme CourtMiddle: Courts of AppealsLowest: District Courts
NUMBER OF COURTSSupreme Court: 1Courts of Appeals: 11District Courts: 90
The Judicial branch
MAIN DUTIESSupreme Court: To decide if laws are
constitutional.Courts of Appeals: To rehear cases from
lower courts.District Courts: To decide cases involving
federal laws.
The Judicial branch
THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION APPLIES ONLY TO THE SUPREME COURT:NUMBER OF JUSTICES: NinePRESIDING OFFICER: Chief Justice
○ TERM OF OFFICE: For life on good behavior.○ May be removed only through impeachment
process.○ May resign voluntarily.
The Judicial branch
APPOINTED BY:The President
APPROVED BY: A majority vote of the Senate.
SPECIAL POWERS:To review and reverse decisions of lower
courts.To declare laws unconstitutional, or not legal
according to the constitution.
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US Government
Executive Branch Legislative Branch Judicial Branch