City Government
Who is our mayor?
Eric Adams.
Who is the governor of New York?
Kathy Hochul.
Who is the president right now and who was the first president?
Joe Biden and George Washington
How old do you need to be to vote?
18 and older
How often do local elections take place?
Every year
Name the branches of government.
Executive, Legislative, Judicial.
How often does the presidential election take place? In what month?
Every 4 years in November.
Name the two main political parties.
Democrats and Republicans.
What is the mayor's role/job?
He is responsible for the general welfare of the city. The Mayor helps with policy-making by recommending policies to the council and breaking tie votes. He is also the City's chief executive officer, meaning he sets the agenda for the City and its finances.
What are the jobs of the legislative, executive, and judicial branches?
Legislative - makes laws
Executive - carries out laws
Judicial - judges laws
What is the job of the legislative branch?
The Legislative branch’s job is to create laws, handle wars, and accept or reject new leaders of other powerful federal positions
Who wrote the Declaration of Independence and who wrote the Constitution?
Thomas Jefferson - DOI
James Madison - Constitution
How are government workers/members hired? Why do you think they do it that way?
To be appointed as a government worker, you first need to take an exam. Afterward, you will be ranked based on your score. Only then will you have a chance to be hired. This is to make sure that only the best and smartest people have power in our government.
Name two powers that the states have and define what state-only powers are called.
Reserved Powers:
- Provide schooling and education
- Provide protection (police)
- Provide safety (fire departments)
- Give out driver’s licenses
- Build infrastructure
What is the Supreme Court? Explain in your own words.
The highest judicial court in the US. They are above all state courts which means their decisions matter most to our judicial laws.
What is "separation of powers"? Why do you think we need it?
The separation of government responsibilities into many branches, stopping any branch from using the powers of another branch and getting too powerful.
How many members are in the city council? Why do you think it is that number?
51. This is to make sure everyone from every part of NYC has a voice in our gov.
Define what shared powers are called and why we need them.
Concurrent Powers. We have them because sometimes there are problems in the States that they need help with and sometimes the Federal gov needs help doing things. EX: Elections.
What are the freedoms given to us according to the First Amendment?
Freedom of speech, freedom of assembly, freedom of the press, freedom to our right to ask the government to fix a wrong or change a policy, and freedom of religion.
Define Amendment. Why do we make amendments?
An amendment is a change or addition to the rules of a contract, law, government policy, or other documents. Usually when we talk about amendments it is about the ones to the Constitution. We make amendments because times are always changing so our government has to keep up with it by changing too!