Executive Branch Overview

The branch of government responsible for making laws. It includes Congress, with the House of Representatives and the Senate.

The lower house of Congress with representation based on a state's population. Members serve two-year terms.

The upper house of Congress with two senators per state, regardless of size. Senators serve six-year terms.

A proposed law presented to Congress for approval. It must pass both the House and Senate before becoming law.

The President's power to reject a bill passed by Congress. It can be overridden by a two-thirds vote from both houses.

A group of legislators who review and revise bills. Most bills go through committee before full voting.

The process of redrawing voting district lines to benefit a specific political party. Can influence election outcomes.

Powers specifically listed in the Constitution.

Powers not directly stated in the Constitution but are necessary to carry out expressed powers. These powers are derived from the "Necessary and Proper" Clause.

To formally charge a government official with wrongdoing. The House of Representatives initiates the impeachment process, and the Senate conducts the trial.

A tactic used in the Senate to delay a vote by speaking for a long time. It can be ended with a 60-vote majority.

An agreement during the Constitutional Convention of 1787 that created a bicameral legislature with the House of Representatives based on population and the Senate with equal representation for each state.

The system ensures no branch of government becomes too powerful. Each branch has the power to limit the others (e.g., presidential veto, Congressional override, and judicial review).

The Speaker leads the House of Representatives, sets the legislative agenda, and presides over debates. They are second in line for the presidency after the Vice President.

Congress has the power to make laws, impose taxes, declare war, regulate commerce, and approve the federal budget.

The most important non-Legislative power of Congress is the power to impeach and remove federal officials, including the president, for misconduct.

The process of reviewing proposed legislation, holding hearings, and making changes before a bill goes to the full House or Senate.

The House Ways and Means Committee deals with tax and revenue issues.

Senators represent their entire state, propose and vote on laws, and approve treaties and appointments.

Representatives represent their specific district, propose and vote on laws, and address local concerns.

The Bill of Rights protects individual freedoms and limits federal government power by guaranteeing rights like free speech, due process, and protection from unreasonable searches.

Congress controls government spending by approving the federal budget, allocating funds, and overseeing how money is spent.

Both chambers share the responsibility of making laws, proposing, debating, and voting on bills.

The House and Senate have key differences, including age and citizenship requirements, term lengths, and representation.

The process by which a bill is proposed, debated, voted on, and potentially becomes law; starts with introduction and ends with presidential action.

The highest court in the US, responsible for interpreting the constitution and federal laws. It consists of 9 Justices.

A group in Congress specializing in a certain subject, reviewing bills before they go to the full chamber.

A group that resolves differences between the House and Senate versions of a bill before final approval.

The President's power to reject a bill passed by Congress. Congress can override it with a two-thirds majority vote.

The concern of some Americans about a strong central government, leading to demands for protections for individual freedoms and states' rights.

Judges appointed by the President and confirmed by the Senate. They serve in federal courts at different levels.

The order in which the Vice President, Speaker of the House, President Pro Tempore of the Senate, and Cabinet members would assume the Presidency if the President is unable to serve.

The President's role as the leader of the legislative process, proposing laws, working with Congress to pass them, and signing or vetoing bills.

The President's powers granted by the Constitution, including vetoing legislation, appointing federal judges, negotiating treaties, and serving as Commander in Chief.

An annual speech by the President to Congress outlining the nation's current state and legislative priorities.

A group of agencies that assist the President in executing policies, managing tasks, and providing advice on important matters.

The largest agency within the Executive Office of the President, responsible for preparing the federal budget and monitoring spending by executive agencies.

A group of key officials that advises the President on national security and foreign policy issues.

The most important official in the White House Office, managing the President's schedule and overseeing White House operations.

This court system is responsible for interpreting the Constitution and ensuring laws follow it. It's comprised of District Courts, Courts of Appeals, and the Supreme Court.

These courts are the first level in the federal court system where trials are held. They hear cases involving federal laws, and they're the main point of entry for most legal disputes.

These courts are above the district courts and review their decisions. They don't hold new trials but make sure the law was applied correctly.

This means a court has the power to hear a case for the first time, rather than on appeal.

This power allows courts to decide if laws or government actions violate the Constitution. It's a fundamental check on other branches of government.

This written explanation from the Supreme Court details the majority of judges' decision and reasoning. It sets a precedent for future cases.

Written by judges who disagree with the majority, this opinion states their reasoning and alternative interpretation. It doesn't change the final decision but offers a different perspective.