Government A Look at United States of America s Government
National (Federal) Government There are three branches of government. Having 3 branches keeps the power balanced. 3 Branches: Legislative, Judicial, and Executive
Legislative Branch makes laws (Legislative-L-Laws) Capitol Building on Capitol Hill where the Senate and House of Representatives are located
Congress is split into 2 parts: Senate and House of Representatives Senate 2 senators come from each state to the Senate. Senators serve for 6 years. 100 total senators in the U.S.
Georgia s Senators enator Johnny Isakson Senator Saxby Chambliss
House of Representatives Representatives are based on population (ex: 13 representatives from GA) to the House of Representatives 435 total representatives in the United States Each representative serves for two years
Our District s House of Representatives Representative Congressman Tom Price
Executive Branch carries out/enforces laws (Think: executive desk= boss of a company) The president is in charge of this branch.
The president is the Commander in Chief because he is the leader of the military. The president can President Barack Obama serve a MAXIMUM of 2 terms (4 years each, 8 years total).
The Vice President (Joe Biden) and Cabinet are also a part of this branch. The president can sign a bill into law OR veto a bill and send it back to Congress. Congress can vote (2/3 majority) to OVERRIDE a veto and pass the law anyway
Federal Judicial Branch judges laws and decides if they are fair The judicial branch interprets the laws. If something is UNCONSTITUTIONAL, it does not go along with the Constitution. The Supreme Court and court system make up the judicial branch.
There are 9 justices on the Supreme Court. They are chosen by the President. They can serve for life.
Separation of powers (three branches of government) gives us checks and balances - all branches are equally powerful.
State Government Every state in the USA has its own government. 3 branches, just like the federal government
State Executive Branch Governor- the head leader of a state Lieutenant Governor- vice-governor The governor signs bills, vetoes bills, and enforces laws. He chooses people to be in charge of state departments.
Governor Nathan Deal Lieutenant Governor Casey Cagle
State Legislative Branch The Georgia Capitol building in Atlanta is where the governor, lietenant governor, and the general assembly meet. General Assembly is also called the State Legislature and it is made up of Georgia lawmakers.
The General Assembly is made of two parts: Senate and House of Representatives The GENERAL ASSEMBLY writes new laws, rewrites old laws, and votes on laws.
State Judicial Branch Georgia s State Supreme Court The judges in state courts decide if laws follow the state and national constitutions. They also decide punishments for crimes.
There is a supreme court of Georgia with 7 justices, followed by smaller courts to make up the court system. Chief Justice Carol W. Hunstein of the Georgia Supreme Court
Local Government City or County Government 3 Branches, just like the federal and state governments
Local Executive Branch Enforces/Carries Out Laws The mayor leads the local executive branch. Dunwoody Mayor Mike Davis
Local Legislative Branch make laws A city council makes laws for a city.
Local Judicial Branch interpret/translate laws Made up of county and city courts Decide if laws have been broken and settle disagreements Judges, lawyers, and juries are part of the local judicial branch. Dekalb Courthouse
Taxes There are federal, state, and local taxes. Federal taxes- military and services (EX: National Park Service) State taxes- schools, roads, hospitals, state parks, public service (police and firefighters) Local taxes- in your community: roads, schools, trash, water, libraries; paid through sales tax.
What are RIGHTS? Rights are freedoms that all people should have. EX: The right to free speech, the right to vote
What are RESPONSIBILITIES? Responsibilities are duties that you should do. EX: a citizen should vote, a citizen should pick up litter, follow the law