United States

In a democracy, the government is elected by the people. Everyone who is eligible to vote has a chance to have their say over who runs the country. A democracy is determined either directly or through elected representatives Overview

Voting

3 branches Executive branch – headed by the president, also includes the vice president. President is elected every 4 years. Majority vote doesn’t win. President wins by the most electoral votes based on the electoral college. President can serve two terms. Vice president and cabinet is chosen by the president. Legislative Branch – made up of the house of representatives and congress. The house of representatives has 435 members. Each state elects its members based on population of state. States such as California, Texas, Florida, and New York have more representatives. The Senate has 100 members. Each states elected 2 members. Senators serve 6 year terms, no term limit. Representatives serve 2 year terms with no term limit.

3 branches continued Judicial branch – made up of Supreme Court, Federal Court, State courts, local courts. They enforce the laws that are passed by the Executive and Legislative branches. It is also there job to interpret the constitution. Supreme Court is the highest court. Made up of 9 justices. Justices are chosen by president, serve until death or retirement

Peaceful way to change government If citizens are unhappy with current leaders they simply do not have to vote for them in the upcoming elections. Impeachment - a formal process in which an official is accused of unlawful activity and the outcome of which, depending on the country, can lead to the removal of that official from office or other punishment.

Do Government Leaders Follow the Rules Yes, government leaders must follow the rules set forth by the federal and state government. If not they can be impeached from office(Nixon, watergate scandal), fined, or sentenced to jail.