Branches of the U.S. Government
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Questions and Answers

Which branch of the U.S. government is responsible for interpreting laws?

  • Judicial Branch (correct)
  • Electoral College
  • Legislative Branch
  • Executive Branch

    • What is the key function of the Supreme Court?

  • Commanding the Armed Forces
  • Raising taxes
  • Determining the constitutionality of laws (correct)
  • Approving laws passed by Congress

    • How many members are in the House of Representatives?

  • 100
  • 1000
  • 535
  • 435 (correct)

    • How long is the term of a Senator?

    <p>Six years (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is NOT a key power of Congress?

    <p>Appointing federal judges (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the name of the system that ensures a balance of power among the branches of government?

    <p>Separation of powers (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is a key agency within the executive branch?

    <p>Department of Justice (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How are Supreme Court Justices appointed?

    <p>Appointed by the President and confirmed by the Senate (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Flashcards

    Separation of Powers

    The principle of dividing government responsibilities into three branches to prevent dominance.

    Legislative Branch

    The part of the U.S. government responsible for making laws, comprising Congress: the Senate and the House of Representatives.

    Senate

    One chamber of Congress with 100 members, two from each state, serving six-year terms.

    House of Representatives

    The chamber of Congress with 435 members whose representation is based on state population, serving two-year terms.

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    Executive Branch

    The branch of government that enforces laws, headed by the President of the United States.

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    Electoral College

    A group that elects the President every four years, based on votes from state electors.

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    Judicial Branch

    The branch responsible for interpreting laws and administering justice through courts.

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    Supreme Court

    The highest federal court, composed of nine Justices who serve for life and review laws' constitutionality.

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    Study Notes

    Branches of the U.S. Government

    • The U.S. government is divided into three branches to ensure a balance of power and prevent any single branch from becoming too dominant. This system is known as the separation of powers.

    Legislative Branch

    • The legislative branch, Congress, is responsible for creating laws.
    • It consists of two chambers: the Senate and the House of Representatives.
    • The Senate has 100 members, two from each state, serving six-year terms.
    • The House of Representatives has 435 members, with the number per state based on population, serving two-year terms.
    • Key powers of Congress include making laws, declaring war, and raising taxes. Congress also has the power to impeach and remove federal officials.
    • Lawmaking often involves intricate processes of debate, compromise, and amendment. Bills must pass through both chambers in a similar form before being sent to the President for approval.

    Executive Branch

    • The executive branch is responsible for enforcing laws.
    • The head of the executive branch is the President.
    • The President is elected every four years by the Electoral College.
    • A President has a substantial amount of authority and responsibility, including commanding the Armed Forces, conducting foreign policy, and appointing various officials.
    • Key agencies within the executive branch include the Department of Justice, the Department of Defense, and numerous other agencies.
    • The executive branch is tasked with carrying out the laws created by Congress.

    Judicial Branch

    • The judicial branch is responsible for interpreting laws.
    • The highest court in the judicial branch is the Supreme Court.
    • The Supreme Court is composed of nine Justices who are appointed by the President and confirmed by the Senate. Justices serve for life unless they resign or are impeached.
    • The Supreme Court's primary function is to determine the constitutionality of laws and resolve legal disputes.
    • Other federal courts, created by Congress, handle various legal matters. Courts at the state level also contribute to the interpretation of law in their own jurisdiction.
    • The independent judiciary plays a crucial role in resolving legal disputes fairly and ensuring the rule of law.
    • The principle of judicial review, established by landmark Supreme Court decisions, allows the Court to review laws and actions of other branches and to invalidate them if they violate the Constitution.
    • The judicial branch's independence is vital for maintaining a balance of power within the government.

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    Description

    This quiz explores the three branches of the U.S. government: the Legislative, Executive, and Judicial branches. Each branch has unique powers and functions that contribute to the system of checks and balances established by the Constitution. Test your knowledge on how these branches operate and interact with one another.

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