Government Unit 4 Flashcards

Study Notes

Legislative Branch Powers and Responsibilities

Responsible for creating laws and overseeing public policy.
Powers include declaring war, regulating commerce, and controlling taxation and spending.

Creation of Laws and Public Policy

Public policy shaped by education, advocacy, and interest group mobilization.
Typically follows three steps: agenda-setting, option-formulation, and implementation.
Agenda-setting involves discussions among agencies and officials to identify problems.
Option-formulation involves considering alternatives and deciding on the best policy.
Implementation is the final stage where the approved policy is executed.

Two-Branch Legislature: Benefits and Drawbacks

Advantages: stability, diverse representation, higher quality legislation.
Disadvantages: potential for deadlock and unequal representation.
Stability arises from checks and balances between two legislative houses, preventing majority rule oppression.

Executive Branch Powers and Responsibilities

Main responsibility is law enforcement.
Headed by the President of the United States.
The President must balance enforcement of laws without overstepping authority of other branches.

Judicial Branch Powers

Headed by the Supreme Court.
Powers include interpreting the Constitution, reviewing laws, and adjudicating cases involving states' rights.

Organization of the U.S. Court System

Comprises two systems: federal and state courts.
Federal courts include the U.S. Supreme Court, U.S. Courts of Appeals, and U.S. District Courts.
State court systems handle the majority of cases and include municipal and county courts.
The Supreme Court serves as the highest court with final law interpretation.

Collaboration Among the Three Branches

Legislative process requires both the House and Senate to pass a bill.
Once passed, the bill moves to the executive branch for presidential approval.
Judicial branch can declare any law unconstitutional if deemed necessary.

Checks and Balances Among Branches

Established by the Constitution to prevent concentration of power in any single branch.
President can veto congressional laws; Congress can override vetoes with a two-thirds vote.
The Supreme Court has the authority to declare laws unconstitutional but requires presidential nominees approved by Congress for judicial appointments.

Description

Test your understanding of the powers and responsibilities of the legislative branch of government with these flashcards. Explore the role it plays in law-making and its relationship with the executive and judicial branches. Perfect for students studying government.