Executive Branch
judical branch
Legislative Branch
Checks and Balances
The US constitution and Amendments
100


What is the main job for the Executive Branch and who is the head of this branch?




To carry out laws; The President



100


What is the main job of the Judicial Branch?




To protect the Constitution



100


What is the job of the Legislative Branch?




To make laws



100


How do Checks and Balances limit power between branches?




It blocks actions from other branches and allows branches to have a role in actions and power of other branches.



100


Define the Constitution




The document that explains how our government works.



200


Name four functions or powers of the Executive Branch




1. Carry out laws. 2. Commander and Chief of the military. 3. Make treaties with other countries (requires Senate approval). 4. Nominate ambassadors and Supreme Court justices.



200
What is the highest court?



The Supreme Court



200


How many houses make up congress and what are they?




Two, The upper House ( Senate), and the lower house (House of Representatives)



200


How does the Legislative Branch check and balance the Executive Branch?




Can impeach the President and override vetoes.



200


Which part of the Constitution explains the goals of the government?




The Preamble.



300


What are two requirements for being a President of the United States?




1. Must be at least 35 years old. 2. Must be a natural born citizen.



300


Do all cases go to the Supreme Court? Explain




No. Cases involving a state or ambassador go directly to the Supreme Court; however, others go through the inferior courts first.



300


Describe five powers of Congress.




1. Only part of government who can decide how to spend tax money.  2. Raise an army or navy. 3. Declare war. 4. Pay governmental debt. 5. Grant citizenship.



300


How does the Executive Branch check and balance the Judicial Branch?




Nominates the Supreme Court justices.



300


What is Federalism?




The system of sharing of powers between national and state governments.



400


Describe impeachment and who can accuse the President of a crime?




Impeachment means to remove the president or other executives from power if they commit a crime.



400


Describe the two inferior courts in the Federal Court System.




1. District court - Where cases are heard. 2. Appellate court - Where you appeal, to see if a trial was fair and legal.



400

How many Senators does each state get? Is this the same number for the House of Representatives? Explain.


Senators: 2 for each state. No. The House of Representatives: Th number of reps. Is based on population.



400


How does the Judicial Branch check and balance the Legislative Branch?




They declare laws that are unconstitutional.



400


How many Amendments are there and what are the first 10 Amendments called?




27 total. The first 10 are called The Bill of Rights.



500


When the President takes an "Oath of Office," what is he or she promising?




The President is promising to defend the Constitution.



500


How many members serve on the Supreme Court?




9 members (justices).



500


Describe the process of passing a law.




1. Proposed bill (law) is sent to a committee for evaluation. 2. The committee approves the bill (or not). 3. The House and Senate debate and pass the bill. 4. Compromise on changes. 5. Send the bill to the President who can veto or sign the bill.



500


How does the Legislative Branch check and balance the Judicial Branch?




They set up courts and approve the appointment of justices or impeach justices.



500


Describe the powers of the national and state governments.




National: Declare war, make treaties, make money, trade between state lines. State: Any power not given to the federal government (schools, marriage, most crimes).