United States Government Basics

7 Principles of Government

Federalism Federalism is a system of government in which the states and national government share powers. The Framers used federalism to structure the Constitution. The Constitution assigns certain powers to the national government. These are enumerated/delegated powers. Powers kept by the states are reserved powers. Powers shared or exercised by national and state governments are known as concurrent powers.

Separation of Powers Established in order to avoid having too much power might fall into the hands of a single group This principle creates the division of basic government roles into 3 branches. No one branch is given all the power. Articles 1,2, and 3 of the Constitution detail how powers are split among the three branches

Checks and Balances Based on the philosophy of Baron de Montesquieu, an 18th-century French thinker, "Power should be a check to power.“ Each branch of government can exercise checks, or controls, over the other branches. Though the branches of government are separate, they rely on one another to perform the work of government. This ensures that the branches work together fairly.

Bicameral Legislature Legislative Branch Bicameral Legislature

Congress Both houses must approve all legislation before the president can sign it Can override a presidential veto with a 2/3 vote Majority rule for most votes

Congress Majority Party controls schedule in each house Speaker of the House most powerful member of Congress

Senate The “Upper House” of Congress Originally chosen by state legislatures 100 members – 2 per state At least 30 years old 9 years US citizen Resident of state elected from

Senate Powers granted by Constitution Confirms presidential appointments like federal judges and Cabinet members Holds impeachment trials Approves all treaties with foreign governments

House of Representatives The “Lower House” of Congress 435 members Minimum of 1 per state At least 25 years old 7 years US citizen Resident of state and district elected from

House of Representatives Power granted by Constitution Starts all bills that call for spending of money Starts impeachment proceedings Breaks ties in Electoral College

Executive Branch

President Must be at least 35 Natural born citizen 14 years residency in the US Can serve only 2 terms (22nd Amendment) These apply to VP also

President as Chief Executive Develops federal policy Enforces the law Appoints federal officials Prepares the national budget

President’s Role Commander-in-Chief of the military Makes foreign policy Chief of State Symbolic representative of the nation Annual State of the Union address

President’s Powers Enforces federal laws Grants reprieves and pardon Appoints federal judges, ambassadors, Cabinet members Make treaties Can veto legislation

Judicial Branch Supreme Court only court created by the Constitution All other federal courts created by Congress All federal judges appointed by president and approved by Senate

Supreme Court No stated requirements for office, but usually experience as a lawyer or lower federal judge Lifetime appointment 9 members

Supreme Court Powers Final say on cases involving federal law Final say on cases involving 2 or more states Cases involving foreign ambassadors

Supreme Court (cont) Decides issues of Constitutional law Most cases come on appeal from a lower federal court Cases can be appealed from a state court Decisions by majority vote Decisions are final

Supreme Court (cont.) Greatest Power is Judicial Review Supreme Court has final say on what is and is not constitutional