System of Government

**The Three Branches of Government** The United States federal government is divided into three branches: **1. Legislative Branch — Congress** Congress writes the laws of the United States. It consists of two chambers: • **The Senate** — 100 senators, 2 from each state; serve 6-year terms • **The House of Representatives** — 435 voting members; terms of 2 years; representation based on state population Powers of Congress include: writing laws, declaring war, making the federal budget, and confirming presidential appointments. **2. Executive Branch — The President** The President is the head of the executive branch. Key facts: • Elected every **4 years**; limited to **2 terms** (22nd Amendment) • Current President: **Donald Trump**; Current Vice President: **JD Vance** • If the President can no longer serve, the Vice President becomes President Presidential powers include: signing bills into law, vetoing bills, enforcing laws, serving as **Commander in Chief** of the military, appointing federal judges, and conducting foreign policy. The **Cabinet** advises the President and consists of the heads of executive departments (e.g. Secretary of State, Secretary of Defense, Attorney General). The **Electoral College** decides who is elected president — a compromise between election by Congress and direct popular election. **3. Judicial Branch — The Courts** The judicial branch reviews and interprets laws, resolves legal disputes, and decides whether laws are consistent with the Constitution. • **The Supreme Court** is the highest court — 9 justices who serve **for life** (to remain independent of politics) • Current Chief Justice: **John Roberts** • 5 justices are usually needed to decide a case (a majority) • Federal Courts handle matters of federal law **The Senate and House — Key Differences** | | Senate | House | |---|---|---| | Members | 100 (2 per state) | 435 (based on population) | | Term | 6 years | 2 years | | Minimum age | 30 | 25 | | Why shorter House terms? | To more closely follow public opinion | **State Governments** Each state has its own governor (elected by the state's citizens) and legislature. States have powers the federal government does not — including providing education, police protection, fire departments, driver's licenses, and controlling zoning and land use. The **10th Amendment** states that powers not given to the federal government belong to the states or to the people.