civics

Legislative Branch

  • Main Job: Makes the laws

  • Who’s in it: Congress (Senate and House of Representatives)

  • Powers:

    • Writes and passes laws

    • Approves the federal budget

    • Declares war

    • Approves treaties (Senate)

    • Confirms presidential appointments (Senate)

    • Can impeach and remove federal officials (House impeaches, Senate tries)

2. Executive Branch

  • Main Job: Enforces the laws

  • Who’s in it: President, Vice President, Cabinet, federal agencies

  • Powers:

    • Signs or vetoes bills

    • Commands the military

    • Makes foreign treaties

    • Appoints federal officials and judges

    • Can issue executive orders

3. Judicial Branch

  • Main Job: Interprets the laws

  • Who’s in it: Supreme Court and other federal courts

  • Powers:

    • Decides if laws or actions are constitutional (judicial review)

    • Settles legal disputes and interprets laws

    • Can overturn lower court decisions

✅ How they work together:

  • This system is called "checks and balances." Each branch limits the power of the others so no one branch becomes too powerful.Term of service: President

  • 4 years, 2-term limit (max 8 years)

3. Term of service: House of Representatives

  • 2 years, unlimited terms if reelected

4. Term of service: Senate

  • 6 years, unlimited terms if reelected

5. Term of service: Supreme Court Justices

  • Lifetime (unless they resign, retire, or are removed)

6. Qualifications for President

  • 35 years old, natural-born citizen, 14 years U.S. resident

7. Qualifications for House of Reps

  • 25 years old, U.S. citizen for 7 years, live in the state

8. Qualifications for Senate

  • 30 years old, U.S. citizen for 9 years, live in the state

9. Qualifications for Supreme Court Justice

  • No official requirements (typically legal experience)

10. How is the President chosen?

  • Elected by the Electoral College (based on popular vote)

11. How are House Reps chosen?

  • Elected by voters in their congressional district

12. How are Senators chosen?

  • Elected by voters in their state

13. How are Supreme Court Justices chosen?

  • Nominated by President, confirmed by Senate

14. Current U.S. President and Vice President

  • Joe Biden (President), Kamala Harris (VP)

15. Maine's two U.S. House Representatives

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

16. Maine's U.S. Senators

  • Susan Collins, Angus King

17. How many Supreme Court Justices are there?

  • 9

18. Who is the Chief Justice?

  • John Roberts

🟨 How a Bill Becomes a Law (Federal Level)

  1. Idea

  2. Written & introduced in Congress

  3. Committee review

  4. Debate & vote in House/Senate

  5. Sent to other chamber

  6. Both chambers approve

  7. President signs (or vetoes)

🟩 Amendment Process

  • Proposed by 2/3 of Congress or 2/3 of state legislatures

  • Ratified by 3/4 of state legislatures or conventions

🟥 What Each Branch Does

  • Legislative: Makes laws

  • Executive: Enforces laws

  • Judicial: Interprets laws

Checks & Balances Examples

  • President vetoes bills (executive on legislative)

  • Congress can impeach the President (legislative on executive)

  • Courts can strike down laws as unconstitutional (judicial on legislative)

🟦 Bill of Rights (Amendments 1–10)

  1. Freedom of speech, religion, press, assembly, petition

  2. Right to bear arms

  3. No quartering of soldiers

  4. No unreasonable searches

  5. Right to remain silent, no double jeopardy

  6. Right to a speedy trial

  7. Right to trial by jury (civil cases)

  8. No cruel or unusual punishment

  9. Rights not listed still exist

  10. Powers not given to U.S. go to states or people

🟨 Powers of Government

  • Federal Powers: Declare war, print money, foreign policy

  • State Powers: Education, marriage laws, licenses

  • Shared Powers: Taxes, courts, roads

  • City/Town Powers: Local ordinances, police/fire, public works

🟩 Maine Government
How many counties in Maine?

  • 16

Who runs Maine’s executive branch?

  • The Governor

How many members in Maine Senate?

  • 35

Who can veto a bill in Maine?

  • The Governor

Term length for Maine Governor

  • 4 years (max 2 consecutive terms)

Who appoints judicial officers in Maine?

  • The Governor, with confirmation by the Senate