US Government Structure Quiz

Study Notes

Introduction

The US system of government is structured with three distinct branches: the legislative, executive, and judicial.
Each branch has specific powers and responsibilities, and a system of checks and balances prevents any one branch from becoming too powerful.
This division of power is fundamental to the US constitutional republic.

Legislative Branch

The legislative branch is responsible for creating laws.
It is bicameral, composed of the Senate and the House of Representatives.
Senate:
- 100 members, two per state.
- Serves six-year terms.
- Holds confirmation power for presidential appointments and treaties.
- Tries impeachment cases.
House of Representatives:
- Membership varies by state based on population.
- Serves two-year terms.
- Initiates all revenue bills.
- Impeaches federal officials.
Powers:
- Lawmaking (most significant power).
- Declaring war.
- Raising and supporting armies.
- Regulating interstate commerce.
- Printing money.

Executive Branch

The executive branch enforces the laws created by the legislative branch.
Headed by the President, who serves as both head of state and commander-in-chief of the armed forces.
Powers:
- Vetoing legislation.
- Appointing federal judges and officials.
- Conducting foreign policy.
- Commanding the armed forces.
Structure:
- President.
- Vice President.
- Cabinet secretaries and various agencies.
- Bureaucracy.
Responsibilities:
- Handling relations with other nations.
- Overseeing daily operations of the federal government.

Judicial Branch

The judicial branch interprets the laws passed by the legislative branch and ensures they are applied fairly.
Headed by the Supreme Court, along with lower federal courts.
Supreme Court:
- Consists of nine justices.
- Appointees serve life terms.
- Decides cases involving constitutional issues and settles disputes between states.
Lower Courts:
- Include courts of appeal and district courts.
- Hear cases and apply the laws.
Powers:
- Judicial review (the power to review laws and government actions to determine their constitutionality).
- Settling disputes between parties.
- Interpreting laws in the context of specific cases and circumstances.

Checks and Balances

Legislative over Executive:
- Impeachment power.
- Override presidential vetoes.
- Power of the purse (control of the budget).
Legislative over Judicial:
- Impeachment power for federal judges.
- Power to amend the Constitution to overturn judicial precedents.
Executive over Legislative:
- Vetoing legislation.
- Appointing judges.
Executive over Judicial:
- Appointing federal judges.
Judicial over Legislative:
- Judicial review.
Judicial over Executive:
- Declaring executive actions unconstitutional.

Conclusion

The separation of powers and checks and balances are critical to the functioning of US government.
They ensure no single branch becomes too dominant.
These mechanisms are designed to promote deliberation and prevent abuses of power.

Description

Test your knowledge of the US government, focusing on the legislative branch and its powers. Learn about the differences between the Senate and the House of Representatives, their responsibilities, and the checks and balances system. This quiz will help reinforce your understanding of the constitutional framework.