The Political Structure of the USA

Question 1

What does Checks and Balances mean?

Answer 1

Not one institution in the government is able to have too much power

Question 2

What are the 3 branches of government?

Answer 2

Legislative, Executive, Judicial

Question 3

Why did the founders of the Constitution create this form of government?

Answer 3

Because they were worried about America becoming a monarchy which they did not want if one group had too much power

Question 4

Which 2 groups does the Legislative Branch consist of?

Answer 4

House of Representatives and The Senate

Question 5

What is the House of Representatives like in British terms?

Answer 5

The House of Commons

Question 6

How many members are in the House of Representatives and The Senate?

Answer 6

435 House of Representative members, 100 members of The Senate - 2 for each state.

Question 7

What is the Legislative branch of the government also called?

Answer 7

Congress

Question 8

What government groups does the Executive Branch consist of?

Answer 8

President, Cabinet ministers

Question 9

What power does The President have other than being the President?

Answer 9

Commander in Chief

Question 10

How is the power of the President also being Commander in Chief balanced?

Answer 10

Only Congress is allowed to declare wars and create a budget for the wars

Question 11

What does the Judicial Branch consist of?

Answer 11

Local courts up to the Supreme Court

Question 12

What is an example of the Checks and Balances system with the Supreme Court and the President?

Answer 12

Even if a law is approved by the President, it then goes through the Supreme Court where it can be vetoed.

Question 13

How many Supreme Court members are there?

Answer 13

9

Question 14

What happens if a law is vetoed by the President?

Answer 14

It goes back to Congress to be voted on again, if both organisations in Congress vote over 2/3 in favour of the bill then it will be passed.

Question 15

What is Impeachment?

Answer 15

When a President commits a crime

Question 16

What happens when a President commits a crime?

Answer 16

The Legislative Branch vote on if the President should lose their job or not

Question 17

What Balance and Checks system is there for when the President picks members for the Supreme Court?

Answer 17

The Senate vote for the nominees and if they vote against some nominee’s, they wont be allowed in

Question 18

How does the Supreme Court have a Separation of Power over The Senate?

Answer 18

The Supreme Court can veto any laws which The Senate Propose

Question 19

What are the 2 main Political Parties?

Answer 19

Republicans, Democrats

Question 20

What do the Republicans at this time have in their policies?

Answer 20

They favour wealth and business growth and little government intervention and the rights of states

Question 21

What do the Democrats at this time have in their policies?

Answer 21

They favour more government intervention but only for social issues

Question 22

Which part of the Government has the power to pardon anyone of all their crimes?

Answer 22

The Senate

Question 23

How long do members of The Senate stay in their position?

Answer 23

6 years

Question 24

What fraction of The Senate are re-elected and how often?

Answer 24

1/3 of The Senate are re-elected once every 2 years

Question 25

How often is the President elected?

Answer 25

Once every 4 years

Question 26

Which organisation puts people could be President up for election?

Answer 26

The Electoral College

Question 27

How is the Electoral College part of the checks and balances system?

Answer 27

All representatives have been chosen by obtaining the most votes in specific states

Question 28

What can the President do with Cabinet Ministers? What is forbidden?

Answer 28

President can pick Cabinet Ministers but these ministers can never be in Congress

Question 29

What do State Governments do with their government structure?

Answer 29

They replicate the federal government structure