civics

Legislative Branch

The branch of government that makes the laws.

Main Job of the Legislative Branch

Makes laws.

Congress

The legislative body composed of the Senate and the House of Representatives.

Powers of the Legislative Branch

Writes and passes laws, approves the federal budget, declares war, approves treaties (Senate), confirms presidential appointments (Senate), and can impeach and remove federal officials.

Executive Branch

The branch of government that enforces the laws.

Main Job of the Executive Branch

Enforces the laws.

Members of the Executive Branch

President, Vice President, Cabinet, and federal agencies.

Powers of the Executive Branch

Signs or vetoes bills, commands the military, makes foreign treaties, appoints federal officials and judges, and can issue executive orders.

Judicial Branch

The branch of government that interprets the laws.

Main Job of the Judicial Branch

Interprets the laws.

Members of the Judicial Branch

Supreme Court and other federal courts.

Powers of the Judicial Branch

Decides if laws or actions are constitutional (judicial review), settles legal disputes, and can overturn lower court decisions.

Checks and Balances

A system that ensures no one branch of government becomes too powerful by limiting the powers of each branch.

Term of Service for President

4 years, with a 2-term limit (max 8 years).

Term of Service for House of Representatives

2 years, unlimited terms if reelected.

Term of Service for Senate

6 years, unlimited terms if reelected.

Term of Service for Supreme Court Justices

Lifetime, unless they resign, retire, or are removed.

Qualifications for President

Must be 35 years old, a natural-born citizen, and a resident of the U.S. for 14 years.

Qualifications for House of Representatives

Must be 25 years old, a U.S. citizen for 7 years, and live in the state they represent.

Qualifications for Senate

Must be 30 years old, a U.S. citizen for 9 years, and live in the state they represent.

Qualifications for Supreme Court Justice

No official requirements, but typically have legal experience.

Election of the President

The President is elected by the Electoral College based on the popular vote.

Election of House Representatives

House Representatives are elected by voters in their congressional district.

Election of Senators

Senators are elected by voters in their state.

Selection of Supreme Court Justices

Justices are nominated by the President and confirmed by the Senate.

Current U.S. President

Joe Biden.

Current U.S. Vice President

Kamala Harris.

Maine's U.S. House Representatives

Jared Golden (District 2), Chellie Pingree (District 1).

Maine's U.S. Senators

Susan Collins, Angus King.

Number of Supreme Court Justices

There are 9 Supreme Court Justices.

Chief Justice of the U.S.

John Roberts.

Process of how a Bill Becomes a Law

Starts as an idea, is written and introduced in Congress, reviewed by committees, debated and voted on, sent to the other chamber, both chambers approve, and then the President signs or vetoes.

Amendment Process Overview

Proposed by 2/3 of Congress or 2/3 of state legislatures and ratified by 3/4 of state legislatures or conventions.

Federal Powers

Powers that include declaring war, printing money, and conducting foreign policy.

State Powers

Powers that include education, marriage laws, and licenses.

Shared Powers

Powers that include taxes, courts, and roads.

City/Town Powers

Powers that include local ordinances, police/fire services, and public works.

Number of counties in Maine

There are 16 counties in Maine.

Head of Maine’s executive branch

The Governor.

Members in the Maine Senate

There are 35 members in the Maine Senate.

Power to veto a bill in Maine

The Governor has the power to veto bills.

Term length for Maine Governor

4 years, with a maximum of 2 consecutive terms.

Appointment of judicial officers in Maine

Judicial officers are appointed by the Governor, with confirmation by the Senate.