2.  I can define the concepts of American Democracy  I can describe the differences between state and federal governments  I can chart and explain the functions of the 3 branches of the U.S. Government.  I can explain how the 3 branches of the U.S. Government “checks” and “balances” each other.

3.  Federal System ◦ A system that divided powers between the states and the federal government

4.  Powers given to the national Government ◦ Maintain Military ◦ Establish Postal systems ◦ Create money ◦ Declare War

5.  Powers kept by the states ◦ Establish Local Governments ◦ Set up Schools ◦ Regulate State commerce ◦ Make regulations for marriage

6.  Powers shared by the federal AND state governments ◦ Levy Taxes ◦ Establish Courts ◦ Provide for the general welfare of citizens ◦ Borrow money

8.  Who is Involved? 435 Members + 3 for D.C.  Serve for 2 years  U.S Census determines how many members represent each state – based on population  Apportionment: if one state loses a member another state gains one= 435  Qualifications: ◦ 25 yrs old ◦ Live in state where elected ◦ U.S. Citizen for 7 yrs

9.  What do they do? ◦ Introduce laws ◦ Write laws ◦ Vote for laws  How do citizen’s votes count?  Citizens from the Representatives State district vote directly for the candidate  Responsible to how many citizens? ◦ Citizens living in the Representative’s district

10.  Who is Involved? ◦ Each state has 2 members = 100 Senators  Serve six-year terms, no limits on number of terms  Responsible to how many citizens? ◦ Represents whole state  Qualifications: ◦ 30 yrs old ◦ U. S. Citizen for 9 yrs ◦ Live in state elected from

11.  What do they do? ◦ Introduce Laws ◦ Write laws ◦ Vote for laws  How are they elected? ◦ The citizens of their state vote directly for the candidate.  Who do they represent? ◦ Entire State

12.  What do he/she do? ◦ Signs or veto's Laws ◦ Commands armed forces ◦ Appoints ambassadors and other officials ◦ Conducts foreign policy ◦ Makes treaties  How do citizens votes count? ◦ All of a state’s electoral votes go to the candidate who wins a majority in the state.  Responsible to how many citizens? ◦ Entire United States

13.  Qualifications ◦ Native Born Citizen ◦ At least 36 yrs old ◦ U.S. resident for 14 yrs  Four year term: limit of 2 terms  VP is leader of Senate ◦ Basically breaks ties  Odds of in-person contact ◦ Very low  Could YOUR calls, emails, or letters change their minds? ◦ Not likely, but some Presidents will read random emails and letters from citizens

14.  Judiciary Act of 1789  Created system of lower district and circuit courts  Article III of the Constitution: ◦ Federal courts can strike down a state or federal law if court finds a law unconstitutional

15.  What do they do? ◦ Interpret the Constitution ◦ Hear court cases to decide whether laws are constitutional  How are they elected? ◦ They are appointed by the President and approved by the Senate. They are not elected. ◦ They serve till they retire or die  Responsible to how many citizens? ◦ Entire United States

16. Checks on Courts * Appoints federal judges * Can grant reprieves and pardons for federal crimes Executive Branch (President) Checks on Congress * Can veto acts of Congress * Can call special sessions of Congress * Can suggest laws and send messages to Congress

17. Checks on President * Can declare executive acts unconstitutional * Judges, appointed for life, are free from executive control Judicial Branch (Supreme Court) Checks on Congress * Judicial review- Can declare acts of Congress Unconstitutional

18. Checks on President * Can impeach and remove the president * Can override veto * Controls spending of money * Senate can refuse to confirm presidential appointments and to ratify treaties Legislative Branch (Congress) Checks on Court * Can impeach and remove federal judges * Establishes lower federal courts * Can refuse to confirm judicial appointments