US Government Overview

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Questions and Answers

What roles does a governor serve in a state government?

  • Both political and ceremonial head (correct)
  • Political head only
  • Only represents the federal government
  • Ceremonial head only

What is the primary responsibility of the legislative branch in the federal government?

  • To manage state taxes
  • To draft and pass federal laws (correct)
  • To oversee the judicial appointments
  • To enforce laws enacted by the President

How often is one-third of the Senate renewed?

  • Every year
  • Every six years
  • Every four years
  • Every two years (correct)

Which of the following groups gained the right to vote first?

<p>Afroamerican men (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a cabinet department under the executive branch?

<p>Department of Health (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

US Federal System

A system of government where power is divided between a national government and state governments.

US Legislative Branch

The branch of government responsible for creating and passing laws. It is composed of Congress, the Senate, and the House of Representatives.

US Executive Branch

The branch of government responsible for enforcing laws. Includes the President, Vice President and their cabinet.

US Supreme Court

The highest court in the US, responsible for interpreting laws and the Constitution.

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Voting Rights in the US

The right to vote in an election. Over time, voting rights have expanded and become more equal for large portions of the population, but not equally.

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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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