The Legislative Branch
This is the primary function of the Legislative Branch, carried out by Congress.
What is making laws?
This individual, who heads the Executive Branch, serves as both head of state and Commander in Chief of the armed forces.
Who is the President of the United States?
This is the highest court in the United States.
What is the Supreme Court?
This constitutional principle divides government authority among three distinct branches.
What is separation of powers?
One of the most direct ways citizens impact the Legislative Branch is by casting these during federal elections.
What are votes?
This power granted to Congress by Article I Section 8 of the Constitution has been used only 11 times in U.S. history.
What is declaring war?
If the President can no longer serve, this official is next in line to assume the presidency.
Who is the Vice President?
Supreme Court Justices and other federal judges in constitutional courts serve these, allowing them to remain in office unless they resign or are removed.
What are lifetime appointments?
A key reason for dividing government powers is to prevent any single branch from becoming this.
What is too powerful (or tyrannical)?
By serving on juries, citizens are directly taking part in this branch of government.
What is the Judicial Branch?
In the House of Representatives, the distribution of seats among the states is determined by this process, based on population.
What is apportionment?
The Executive Branch has this main responsibility regarding laws passed by Congress.
What is enforcing (or carrying out) the laws?
Most cases the Supreme Court hears involve significant questions about this foundational U.S. document.
What is the Constitution?
One check of the Executive Branch on the Legislative Branch is the President’s power to do this to a bill passed by Congress.
What is veto it?
Citizens can participate in the Executive Branch by seeking employment in these government entities that help carry out federal laws.
What are federal agencies (or executive agencies)?
This is the minimum age requirement to become a U.S. Senator.
What is 30?
This annual message to Congress outlines the President’s legislative agenda and national priorities.
What is the State of the Union address?
Supreme Court Justices are nominated by the President and must be confirmed by this body.
What is the Senate?
Through judicial review, the Supreme Court can declare laws or executive actions to be this, thereby checking the other branches.
What is unconstitutional?
By contacting or visiting elected officials, citizens can do this to share opinions or request assistance.
What is petition (or advocate their concerns)?
These types of bills must originate in the House before moving to the Senate.
What are tax (revenue) bills?
This group, composed of the heads of 15 executive departments, formally advises the President.
What is the Cabinet?
This principle allows the Supreme Court to invalidate laws or executive actions that conflict with the Constitution.
What is judicial review?
When Congress overrides a presidential veto, it requires this fraction vote in both the House and Senate.
What is a two-thirds majority?
Citizens often join or form these groups to influence policy-making in areas of shared concern.
What are interest groups (or advocacy groups)?