1.6 Principles of an American Government

Congress

makes the nation’s laws, determine how to fund the government, and shape the nations foreign policy. Senate and Congress are separate chambers and procedures.

Special Interest Groups

pay lobbyists to provide law makers information and reasons to support or reject certain proposed legislation.

Federal executive branch

more than 2.7 million employees to carry out national laws.

Federal Agencies

allow citizens to file a complaint to assure enforcement/fairness in law.

Court System

the Supreme Court and inferior courts can exercise judicial review to interpret if a law is Constitutional

Federal Courts

Citizens can challenge unfair government action, appeal wrongful convictions, and question public policy.

Legislature

most representative branch that makes the people’s will become public policy

President

enforces laws and carries out Congress’s policies essentially shaping policy.

Members of Supreme/Federal court

appointed by the president and confirmed by the senate.

Lawmaking process

originates from congress, a bill must pass both bodies by 51%, the bill is presented to the President who can sign it into law or veto or pocket veto it (10 days inaction becomes law), law enters the United States code.

Advice and Consent

The Senate must formally approve most presidential appointments (Supreme court and cabinet)

Impeachment

the house of representatives can accuse a government official of wrong doings which is then investigated by the Senate.