About this Flash Card Set
14 Cards
by marcus_reed
How the three branches function and how a bill becomes a law. Key civics and AP Government concepts explained simply.
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Congress
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The legislative branch, made of the House of Representatives and the Senate. It writes and passes federal laws.
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House of Representatives
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435 members apportioned by state population; members serve 2-year terms. Controls tax/spending bills.
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Senate
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100 members (2 per state) serving 6-year terms. Confirms appointments and ratifies treaties.
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Bill
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A proposed law introduced in Congress. It must pass both chambers and be signed by the President to become law.
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How a bill becomes a law
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Introduced → committee review → passed by House and Senate → sent to the President → signed (or vetoed).
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Veto
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The President's power to reject a bill. Congress can override a veto with a two-thirds vote in both chambers.
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Filibuster
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A Senate tactic of prolonged debate to delay or block a vote; ending it (cloture) usually needs 60 votes.
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President's roles
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Chief executive, commander-in-chief of the military, head of state, and chief diplomat.
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Cabinet
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The heads of executive departments who advise the President (e.g., Secretary of State, Treasury).
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Supreme Court
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The highest federal court; 9 justices appointed for life who interpret the Constitution and laws.
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Electoral College
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The body that formally elects the President; each state's electors equal its total members of Congress.
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Impeachment
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The process of charging a federal official with wrongdoing. The House impeaches; the Senate holds the trial.
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Popular vs. electoral vote
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The popular vote is the total citizen vote; the electoral vote (270 to win) actually decides the presidency.
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Checks on Congress
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The President can veto laws, and the Supreme Court can rule laws unconstitutional.
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