~ Branching Out ~
1. The House of Representatives
2. The Senate
Recite the Preamble AND tell what document it is a part of.
We the people ...
It is the introductory statement to the Constitution.
How does the Executive branch "check" the Judicial branch?
The executive branch appoints those who sit in the judicial branch.
What branch of government does the path from "bill" to "law" take place in?
Legislative - both the House & the Senate
What level of government can levy a tax on citizens?
Federal -or- State -or- Local
All three!
Name the main duties of the legislative branch, and the main people who make up this branch.
-Make new laws or change existing laws
-Congress (and Agencies that may provide support services to Congress)
Why was the Declaration of Independence written?
To declare independence from Britain. "The big break-up letter"
How does the Executive branch "check" the Legislative branch?
-The power to veto
-The power to call special sessions
While anyone can come up with the idea for a bill, who is allowed to actually introduce it?
A member of Congress in either the House or the Senate. The Representative or Senator who introduces the bill becomes the bill's "sponsor".
Name a local road that is the responsibility of the State government.
Name a local road that is the responsibility of Local government.
State - 71 & 2 highways
Local - Varies
Name the main duties of the executive branch, and the main people who make up this branch.
-Enforce & Carry out laws
-President (head), Vice President (second-in-command), Cabinet, and various agencies, bureaus, commissions & committees
Why was the Constitution written?
To establish the government in the United States.
How does the Legislative branch "check" the Executive branch?
-Impeaching
-Override vetoes
-Confirms appointments to Judicial positions
Following introduction of a bill and work by committees and subcommittees, the Bill is then debated in the chamber (house or senate) where it was introduced. In order to be considered in the other chamber, the bill must receive what portion of the votes?
Majority - 50% + 1
Keeping a military & the declaration of war is the duty of which level of government.
Federal
-State also keeps a National Guard
Name the main duties of the judicial branch, and the main people who make up this branch.
-Interpreting the meaning of laws by applying laws to individual cases & deciding if specific laws violate the Constitution
-The Supreme Court, and other federal courts
List the rights given to citizens of the United States in the first 5 amendments of the Bill of Rights.
1. Freedom of Religion, Assembly, Press, Petition & Speech
2. Right to bear arms
3. Quartering of troops
4. Unreasonable search & seizure
5. Right to remain silent
How does the Legislative branch "check" the Judicial branch?
-Impeachment
-Propose Constitutional changes
If both chambers of Congress pass a bill, who actually turns it into a law?
AND What is it called if this officeholder refuses?
-The President
-A veto
List a building in Clarinda that the:
Federal government in in charge of.
State government is in charge of.
County government is in charge of.
City government is in charge of.
Federal: Post office, NRCS office, FSA office
State: Extension office, portion of NRCS office, State Highway Barn, 2nd floor of the Courthouse
County: Courthouse (except floor 2!), Secondary Roads, Health Department building, portion of NRCS office
City: City Hall, Library
How do the people in each branch of government get into office?
-Executive
-Legislative
-Judicial
-Executive - Elections for P & VP, appointment for cabinet & committee members
-Legislative - Elections
-Judicial - Appointed by the Executive branch
List the rights given to citizens of the United States in the last 5 amendments of the Bill of Rights.
6. Speedy trial
7. Trial by jury
8. Cruel & unusual punishment
9. Non-enumerated rights
10. Rights reserved to States or People
How does the Judicial branch "check" the other two branches?
-Executive: Determines if acts are unconstitutional
-Legislative: Interprets the laws made, determines if they are constitutional
What percentage vote of both houses of Congress is required to override a veto?
2/3rds - 66.6%
Why is it important that rights and responsibilities belong to different levels of government? In your opinion, which is the most important?
Explain