How the Federal Government works Section two

I. Legislative Branch Set up in Article I of the Constitution Purpose to make the nation’s laws Congress is made up of two bodies: House of Representatives and Senate 1. House of Representatives a. Representation is based on population, larger states have more reps than smaller states. Every state has at least one representative (current number 435) b. elected by people of their district for a two year term. Every Representative is up for reelection every other year. No limit to the amount of terms you may serve c. The leader of the House is the Speaker. He controls regulates debates and controls the agenda. The Speaker is 3rd in line for office of President .

2. Senate a. Equal representation in the Senate, two senators for each state b. Senators serve a 6 year term. The terms overlap so that 1/3 of members up for election every 2 years (always have experienced Senators) c. originally elected by state legislatures. Starting in 1913 (17 amendment) allowed the people to elect their Senators. d . The Vice-President is president of the Senate. Only votes if there is a tie. He cannot debate the issues being discussed. e. If the VP is absent the President pro temp presides

D. Powers Of congress Make the nation’s laws a. all laws start as bills and may begin in either house b. all bills that are designed to raise money for the government MUST start in the House of Reps. c. The bills are debated and voted on. If both houses vote to approve the bill, it goes to the President for his signature and then it becomes a law 2. Power to levy, or collect taxes 3. Borrow money 4. Coin money 5. To establish post offices, to fix standard weights and measures 6. To declare war

qualifications to run for Congress

Not all powers are listed specifically E. Elastic clause Not all powers are listed specifically One clause states that Congress can “make all laws which shall be necessary and proper” for carrying out its duties Known as the elastic clause because it allows Congress to stretch its powers to deal with the changing needs of the country

F. Committees 1. Both houses have standing committees to study bills related to specific topics 2. committees cover topics like ag., ed., defense, transportation to name a few 3. Some committees are made up of members from both houses (joint committees)

II. Executive Branch Purpose-to carry out the laws and run the affairs of the National government. The President is the head of the executive branch with the V-P and Cabinet Roles of the President 1. represents all Americans 2. directs foreign policy ( make treaties and appoints ambassadors) 3. Commander in Chief of armed forces 4. suggest new laws and work for their passage 5. grant pardons and call special sessions of Congress

Electing the President 1. elected for a 4 year term (22nd amendment- no more than 2 terms) 2. Framers set a complex system for electing the Pres. Known as electoral college. a. when you vote you actually vote for the electors that will vote for the candidate. b. the number of electors a state gets is the number of Reps. plus Senators. c. After the election, the electors meet to cast their vote. Most cast their vote with the majority of popular votes in their state. d. The candidate who gets a majority of electoral votes wins ( a candidate can lose in popular vote numbers but can still become President)

III. Judicial branch Constitution establishes Supreme Court and authorizes Congress to establish other courts that are needed (Judiciary Act of 1789) Lower courts District courts- jury or judge hears the facts of the case and makes a decision Appellate courts- court of appeal. Judge reviews decision of district court to decide if the lower court interpreted law correctly B. Supreme Court- highest court in the land 1. Justices are appointed by the Pres. , serve for life 2. nation’s final court of appeals ( court of last resort) 3. hears cases that have been tried and appealed in lower court. 4. Determines if laws passed are constitutional or not.

IV. Checks and Balances To prevent one person or branch from abusing power, a system of checks and balances was set up It allows each branch to check, or limit, the power of the other two. The most extreme check on the President is to impeach, remove him from power. 1. House brings charges and the Senate conducts a trial. 2. 2/3 vote to convict and President must leave office. (can not hold another public office) 3. treason, bribery, and other high crimes or misdemeanors.