Policy and the Branches of Government
Susan Lewis
8 min read
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Study Guide Overview
This study guide covers the three branches of the U.S. government: Legislative (Congress), Executive (President), and Judicial (Courts). It details their respective roles in making, enforcing, and interpreting laws. The guide emphasizes the checks and balances system, including how each branch limits the power of the others. Key concepts include the legislative process, judicial review, and presidential powers. Example scenarios and practice questions are provided for review.
#AP US Government: The Three Branches - Your Ultimate Review 🚀
Hey there, future AP Gov rockstar! Let's make sure you're feeling totally confident for tomorrow. This guide is designed to be your super-efficient, last-minute review. No stress, just clear, focused info. Let's get started!
#🏛️ The Foundation: Understanding Policy & the Three Branches
Policy: Think of policies as the rules of the game. They're the guidelines set by the government to achieve specific goals. Everything we'll discuss revolves around how these policies are made, enforced, and interpreted.
LEJ - Legislative makes laws, Executive enforces laws, Judicial interprets laws. This simple acronym will help you remember the core functions of each branch. 💡
#Quick Overview
- Legislative Branch (Congress): Makes the laws. 📝
- Executive Branch (President): Enforces the laws. 💼
- Judicial Branch (Courts): Interprets the laws. ⚖️
Each branch has its own powers and limitations, creating a system of checks and balances. Let's dive deeper into each one!
#📝 Legislative Branch: Making the Laws
#What is it?
The Legislative Branch, also known as the U.S. Congress, is responsible for creating laws. It's bicameral, meaning it's made up of two chambers:
- Senate: 100 members (2 per state). Think of it as the upper chamber. 🏛️
- House of Representatives: 435 members (based on state population). Think of it as the lower chamber. 🏠
Remember: Senate = Equal Representation, House = Population Representation. This is a key difference!
#Powers of Congress
- Taxation and spending 💰
- Regulating commerce 🛒
- Declaring war ⚔️
- Approving presidential appointments and treaties ✅
#How a Bill Becomes a Law
- Idea/Proposal: Starts with citizens, interest groups, or representatives.
- Bill Introduction: A representative introduces a bill in the House or Senate.
- Committee Review: The bill goes to relevant committees for hearings and debates.
- Floor Vote: Both the House and Senate vote on the bill.
- Presidential Approval: If passed by both chambers, the bill goes to the President.
- Law: If the President signs it, it becomes law. If the President vetoes it, Congress can override it with a 2/3 vote in both chambers.
Focus on the legislative process! Knowing the steps a bill takes to become a law is crucial for both MCQs and FRQs.
#Example: Distracted Driving Law
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