Branches of Government An Introduction

Legislative Makes laws Congress: House (population, 2 years) & Senate (2 per state, 6 years) Majority of both houses to pass a bill, 2/3 of both houses to override a veto

House of Representatives Majority rules –Speaker of the House Most responsive to people –2-year terms, districts within states –Revenue bills must start in House Reapportionment –Census recreates –“Gerrymandering” Impeachment: bring charges Most work happens in committees

Our Representative: Leonard Boswell (D)

Senate “Deliberative body” –6-year overlapping terms –Filibuster instead of majority rule Impeachment: indictment Advice and consent –2/3 approval for nominees, treaties Most work happens in committees

Our Senators: Charles Grassley (R) and Tom Harkin (D)

1-Minute Quick-Write Write 1 similarity and 1 difference between the House of Representatives and the Senate.

Executive Carries out law President, Vice President, Cabinet Departments, Bureaucracy President & Vice President elected 4-year terms, cabinet/bureaucracy appointed/hired for term/life Barack Obama, President; Joe Biden, Vice President

Roles of Executive Branch PRESIDENT/V.P. –Head of state –Chief executive –Chief legislator –Economic planner –Party leader –Chief diplomat –Commander-in- chief CABINET DEPTS. –State –Attorney General –Defense –Treasury –Education –Housing & Urban Development –Health & Human Services

Facts about Bureaucracy Part of executive branch Carries out the law Workers hired, not appointed Food/Drug Administration, Department of Transportation, etc.

1-Minute Quick-Write What do you think is important to remember about the executive branch of the government? 1 minute to write, then 1 minute to share with a neighbor

Judicial Oversees/interprets laws Federal & state criminal courts try people charged with violating federal & state laws Supreme Court & district courts hear cases based on constitutionality of laws & executive decisions

Facts about Supreme Court Appointed by President with 2/3 Senate approval Serve for life (except resignation or impeachment) Usually follow precedent No power of enforcement

1-Minute Quick-Write What do you think is important to remember about the judicial branch of the government? 1 minute to write, then 1 minute to share with a neighbor