Legislative Branch Overview

The role of the president as the head of the government, responsible for enforcing laws, appointing officials, and managing the military.

The role of the president as the leader of the nation's armed forces.

The role of the president in representing the United States in foreign affairs, including making treaties and appointing ambassadors.

The role of the president in proposing legislation, signing or vetoing bills passed by Congress, and delivering the State of the Union address.

The role of the president in managing the economy, including appointing economic advisors and preparing the budget.

The role of the president as the leader of their political party, supporting party members and raising funds.

The system for electing the president of the United States, where each state has a number of electors equal to its number of senators and representatives plus three for the District of Columbia.

The process of officially casting votes for the president of the United States, which takes place every four years on the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November.

The presiding officer of the House of Representatives, chosen by the majority party.

The leader of the majority party in the Senate, who plans programs and steers bills through the Senate.

A member of the Senate who serves as president when the Vice President is absent; often the most senior member of the majority party.

The process of redrawing electoral district boundaries, typically after a census.

The power of Congress to regulate commerce between states, with other nations, and with Indian tribes.

When a legislative body (like Congress) removes a public official from office, usually for misconduct.

A system of dividing the work of Congress into specialized groups that focus on specific areas of legislation.

A group of people appointed to investigate and examine specific issues or allegations.

The power of Congress to make laws.

The power of Congress to levy taxes and allocate funds, often referred to as the ‘power of the purse.’

The power of Congress to declare war, raise a military, and maintain armed forces.

The power of Congress to establish new states, territories, and federal property.

The power of Congress to investigate government activities, policies, and officials.

A process where Congress can approve or reject presidential appointments, such as cabinet members and federal judges.

The power of Congress to ratify treaties negotiated by the President.

A system where the presidential candidate who wins the most votes in a state receives all of that state's electoral votes, regardless of the margin of victory.

A method of electing a president where the candidate with the most popular votes nationwide wins, regardless of the Electoral College.

The process where the House of Representatives votes to choose the president if no candidate receives a majority of electoral votes.

A situation where a third party candidate can influence the outcome of an election by drawing votes away from the two major parties.

The ability of electors to vote for a different candidate than the one they were pledged to support.

The department responsible for managing the nation's finances, including collecting taxes, printing money, and managing national debt.

The department responsible for protecting and managing America's natural resources, including national parks, wildlife, and water resources.

The department responsible for enforcing federal laws, including fighting crime, protecting civil rights, and ensuring justice for all Americans.

The Department of Commerce focuses on economic growth through various means such as promoting exports, enforcing trade agreements, issuing patents and trademarks, and conducting the census.

The Department of Labor aims to protect and enhance workers' productivity by overseeing minimum wage laws, job training programs, and unemployment insurance.

The Department of Defense is responsible for protecting the United States through the military forces (Army, Navy, Marines, and Air Force), deterring wars, and offering humanitarian aid.

The Department of Health and Human Services is dedicated to improving public health by providing health insurance, funding medical research, and providing social services to those in need.

The Department of Housing and Urban Development addresses the nation's housing needs by enforcing fair housing laws, improving communities, and supporting families through loan and mortgage insurance.

The 22nd Amendment limits the President to two four-year terms in office, preventing any one individual from accumulating an excess of power.

The 23rd Amendment granted the District of Columbia (D.C.) the right to vote for President and Vice President, recognizing its residents as equal citizens.

The 25th Amendment establishes procedures for presidential succession in case of the President's death, resignation, or inability to serve. The Vice President assumes the presidency.

The 26th Amendment lowered the voting age to 18, granting younger citizens the right to participate in elections.

The 27th Amendment prohibits members of Congress from giving themselves pay raises during the same session, preventing them from benefiting from self-serving legislation.

The first state to join the United States of America.

The last state to join the United States of America.

The person who holds the highest elected position in the state and has the power to execute the state's laws.

The form of government used by most cities, where elected officials govern the city.

The services provided by state and local governments, such as education, transportation, public safety, and social services.