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Understanding the U.S. Government Structure

May 1, 2025

AP Gov Unit 2: Branches of Government

Legislative Branch: Makes Laws (Article I)

Congress (Senate & House)

  • House of Representatives

    • 435 members, apportioned by population (1 per district)
    • Represents the population of each state
    • 2-year terms, closer to the people
    • More members = more formal debate
  • Senate

    • 6-year terms, 2 senators per state (100 total)
    • Based on equal representation

Structures, Powers, Functions

  • House Leadership:

    • Led by the Speaker of the House and other members
  • Senate Leadership:

    • Vice President = Senate President (ceremonial, breaks ties)
    • Majority and Minority leaders, Whips (collect votes)
  • Committee Types:

    • Standing, Select, Conference Committees
  • House Rules:

    • All bills must pass for debate rules
    • Closed Rule: More strict
    • Open Rule: Less strict
  • Representation Models:

    • Delegate Model: Representatives act on constituents' wishes
    • Trustee Model: Representatives use their own judgement
    • Politico Model: Combines trustee and delegate models, follows constituents' will when vocal

Bill to Law Process

  • Legislator introduces a bill
  • Sent to committee & subcommittee (can be pigeonholed/die in committee)
  • If passed, it goes to a conference committee
  • President has 10 days to sign/veto (pocket veto applicable)

Federal Spending and Powers

  • President = Commander in Chief, but Congress declares war
  • War Powers Act: Requires President to notify Congress within 48 hours of troop deployment
  • War funding comes from Congress
  • Treaties are negotiated by the President but need Senate confirmation (2/3 majority)

Judicial Branch

  • Judicial Review: Supreme Court can review and declare government actions unconstitutional
  • Judiciary Act of 1789: Established the 3-level federal court system

Court System Levels

  • District Courts: 94 in total, first level
  • Circuit Courts of Appeals: 13 in total, second level
  • Supreme Court: Highest court, reviews cases from state supreme courts and federal courts of appeal