Podcast
Questions and Answers
What roles does a governor serve in a state government?
What roles does a governor serve in a state government?
What is the primary responsibility of the legislative branch in the federal government?
What is the primary responsibility of the legislative branch in the federal government?
How often is one-third of the Senate renewed?
How often is one-third of the Senate renewed?
Which of the following groups gained the right to vote first?
Which of the following groups gained the right to vote first?
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Which of the following is NOT a cabinet department under the executive branch?
Which of the following is NOT a cabinet department under the executive branch?
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Study Notes
US Government
- USA is a federation of 50 states
- It's a democratic republic
- Has a federal system and 50 state systems
Federal Government
- Based on the Constitution, ratified in 1788
- Includes the Preamble and 27 Amendments
- Three branches: executive, legislative, and judicial
Executive Branch
- President and Vice-President are elected
- Executive office with 15 cabinet departments
- Implements and enforces laws
- Each cabinet department has a secretary (head)
- Independent agencies
Legislative Branch
- Represented by Congress
- Congress drafts and passes federal laws
- Manages national finances and defense
- Regulates commerce among states
Judicial Branch
- Supreme Court and other federal courts
State Governments
- Similar structure to federal government
- Each state has a Governor (political and ceremonial leader)
- Governors serve 2-4 years
- State laws differ in regulations, education, taxes, and traffic systems
Voting Rights
- Voting rights have not been equal throughout history
- Women gained the right to vote in 1920
- African American men gained the right to vote in 1870
- Some criminals may not be able to vote
- Overseas citizens cannot vote
Important Figures
- Joe Biden - 48th President
- Kamala Harris - 49th Vice President
- George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, Abraham Lincoln (historical figures)
Legislative Branch (Continued)
- Senate (upper chamber): 2 per state, 6-year terms, 1/3 renewed every 2 years
- House of Representatives (lower chamber): Number based on state population, 2-year terms
Judicial Branch (Continued)
- Supreme Court and other federal courts are part of the judicial branch
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Description
This quiz covers the structure and functions of the US government, including the federal and state systems. It addresses the three branches of government, voting rights, and key historical documents. Test your knowledge of the democratic republic that is the USA!
