An introduction TO THE us political system: GRADE 9 SOCIAL STUDIES – APRIL 2015

What are the three branches of the US government? Source: https://www15.uta.fi/FAST/US2/NOTES/gp.html

Two Important Departments are Department of State & the Treasury What is the responsibility of the Department of the State? The Treasury?

Department secretaries In the US system the person in charge of a government department is called a Secretary. (This not to be confused with the other meaning of the word secretary!!) In other countries, the title Minister is used instead. In the US, The Secretary of Health would be the equivalent of the Minister of Health in the UK or Australia. There are also different names used. In the US, the Secretary of State is equivalent of the Minister of Foreign Affairs in other countries. In the US, the Treasury Secretary is the equivalent of Finance Minister in some other countries. Unlike other countries, Department Secretaries are not elected by the people. They are normally supporters of the President and his party. They may also be former politicians. They should have some specific expertise/expert knowledge in their field. Secretary of Departments also have to be approved by the Congress.

THE CABINENT The Cabinet is the name used to refer to the “collective group” (board) of secretaries that advice the President on different policy issues. Established in Article II, Section 2 of the Constitution, the Cabinet's role is to advise the President on any subject he may require relating to the duties of each member's respective office. The Cabinet includes the Vice President and the heads of 15 executive departments — the Secretaries of Agriculture, Commerce, Defense, Education, Energy, Health and Human Services, Homeland Security, Housing and Urban Development, Interior, Labor, State, Transportation, Treasury, and Veterans Affairs, as well as the Attorney General.

THE US CONGRESS There are 535 members of the Congress. There are 100 US senators (2 from each state). They are elected for a 6 year term. Terms are staggered so approximately one third of the seats are up for election every two years. There are 435 members in the US House of Representatives. They are elected for a two year term.

Why is this US congress a problem for President Obama? US Congress by Political Parities: Republican vs Democrat . Current at January 2015: Why is this US congress a problem for President Obama? Source: http://www.voanews.com/content/republicians-officially-take-full-control-of-us-congress/2587339.html

The US Presidential election system The US Presidential elections are not decided on which candidates receives the most votes nationally. Instead the system is based on the Electoral College System which is directly connected to the US states. Watch the video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ok_VQ8I7g6I

Obama Vs Romney – The 2012 Election Results by US State