APUSG Review

 Executive Branch

The Execuitve Branch of the US Government is the branch which is responsable for enforcing and carrying out the laws set by the Legislative Branch. 

• The Executive Branch is made up of the president on the national level, the governor on the state level, and often the mayor on the local level. 
• According to date from the Official White House website, the executive branch is made up of more than 4 million Americans. 
• To be President, one must be 35 years old, be a resident of the United States for 14 years, and be a natural born citizen
• Powers given to the President include:
• Power to Veto
• Power to convene Congress
• Commander in Chief of the Military
• Power to negotiate treaties
• Power of pardon
• The President is required to give an address to Congress every year. Such an address is commonly done in the form of a "State of the Union" address

• In addition to the President, The Executive Branch is made up of several other individuals with tasks:
• Vice President- Work as a foreign diplomat and preside over Congress. Tiebreaker vote if necessary
• Cabinet Officials- Work wit the President on specific topics
• White House Staff- Work with the President. Examples include assistants, press secretary, and aids. 

Legislative Branch 

The Legislative Branch of the US Government is the branch which makes the laws. 

• The US version of the Legislative Branch on the national level is Congress
• Congress is a bicameral legislature, composed of the House of Representatives and the Senate
• The House of Representatives has 435 members, divided by population. Requirements are to be 25 years old, be a citizen of the US for 7 years, and live in the state you represent
• The Senate has 100 members, or 2 from each state. Requirements are to be 30 years old, be a citizen of the US for 9 years, and live in the state you represent as well. 

• Declaring war
• Coining money 
• Regulating Commerce
• Establishing Federal Courts
• The Elastic Clause also gives Congress the power to create all laws necessary for them to  carry out needed powers. 

• House Powers: All revenue bills must originate in the House, and initiate impeachment procedures for civil officers
• Senate Powers: Conducts impeachment trial, approve presidential appointments, and approve presidential treaties 

In short, the Judiciary Branch is the branch of the US Government which decides if laws are constitutional or if laws have been broken. 

•  The Federal Court System is made up of  3 groups
• District Courts- have original jurisdiction, 94 courts with 667 active judges 
• Court of Appeals- hears appeals from District Courts, has a three judge panel, and consists of 167 active judges
• Supreme Court- high court; court of last resort. 9 judges who serve for life. 

Media 

The Media, either print, television, or electronic has taken a large role in the government of the United States in the modern world. Today, the media is able to supply to the public information on the issues and actions the US Government is taking. In return, the media also is able to report on the issues the citizens are concerned about to the lawmakers, who can then set the agenda based on these issues

Media must also be careful to not show bias towards one party or candidate. If airtime is given to one candidate, airtime must also be offered to the opposing candidate.  

Bureaucracy

The Bureaucracy's role in government is to help carry out the actions of a branch to achieve a goal. Bureaucracy's in the modern world include Homeland Security, Welfare, and other sections of the government necessary to carry out the laws.  

• Homeland Security Organizations include the FBI, CIA, NSA, and DEA. 
• Welfare Organizations include the SSA, SEC, and FTC.