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US Government by Mind Map: US Government

1. The Executive Branch

1.1. The President

1.2. The Vice President

1.2.1. Be a US born citizen

1.2.2. US resident for 14 years prior at least

1.2.3. Be at least 35 years old

1.3. 4 year terms with a two term limit

1.4. Powers

1.4.1. Grant pardons, or forgiveness, for a crime

1.4.2. Appoint federal judges

1.4.3. Negotiate foreign treaties with other countries

1.4.4. Appoint federal posts, such as members of government agencies

1.4.5. Being able to veto, or reject, a proposal for a law

1.5. Roles of the President

1.5.1. Head of State

1.5.1.1. The President serves as a ceremonial figure representing the US

1.5.2. Chief Executive

1.5.2.1. The President leads the Executive Branch of government, which implements the laws that Congress passes

1.5.2.1.1. The President also appoints (with Senate confirmation) federal judges and the heads of executive departments and agencies

1.5.3. Commander in Chief

1.5.3.1. The President is responsible for the nation’s security and is in charge of the military

1.5.4. Chief Diplomat

1.5.4.1. The President meets with foreign leaders, appoints ambassadors, and makes treaties (with Senate approval)

1.5.5. Legislative Leader

1.5.5.1. The President delivers an annual State of the Union message to Congress, proposes legislation, signs or vetoes laws passed by Congress, and can call Congress into special session when necessary

1.5.6. Economic Planner

1.5.6.1. The President appoints economic advisors, meets with business leaders, prepares an annual budget request, and submits economic reports to Congress

1.5.7. Party Leader

1.5.7.1. The President leads his or her political party, rewarding part supporters with positions in government, and helps to elect other party members by raising money and campaigning for party members

1.6. Executive Departments

1.6.1. There are 15 Executive departments

1.6.2. Department of Agriculture

1.6.3. Department of the Treasury

1.6.4. Department of Commerce

1.6.5. Department of Justice

1.6.6. Department of Homeland Security

1.6.7. Department of Energy

1.6.8. Department of Defense

1.6.9. Department of the Interior

1.6.10. Department of State

1.6.11. Department of Education

1.6.12. Department of Transportation

1.6.13. Department of Labor

1.6.14. Department of Veteran Affairs

1.6.15. United States Department of Commerce and Labor

1.6.16. United States Department of Health and Human Services

2. The Legislative Branch

2.1. The Senate

2.1.1. Be a US born citizen

2.1.2. US resident for 9 years prior at least

2.1.3. Be at least 30 years old

2.1.4. Must live in the state they represent

2.1.5. There are 2 Senators per state and 100 in total in the United States

2.1.6. 6 year terms

2.2. The House of Representatives

2.2.1. Be a US born citizen

2.2.2. US resident for 7 years prior at least

2.2.3. Be at least 25 years old

2.2.4. Must live in the state they represent

2.2.5. The amount of how many representatives there are in each state depends on population. There are 435 representatives in total.

2.2.6. 2 year terms

2.3. Powers

2.3.1. Make laws

2.3.2. Gives the okay for war

2.3.3. Regulates interstate and foreign commerce

2.3.4. Controls taxing and spending policies

2.4. Enumerated Powers

2.4.1. Article I:

2.4.2. Levy taxes

2.4.3. Borrow money

2.4.4. Coin money

2.4.5. Declare war

2.4.6. Raise and support armed forces

2.4.7. Organize the militia

2.5. The Elastic Clause

2.5.1. Gives Congress the ability to stretch its powers to meet the needs that the Founders did not anticipate

2.5.1.1. National Bank

2.5.1.2. McCulloch v. Maryland

3. The Judicial Branch

3.1. Supreme Court

3.1.1. There are no official qualifications for becoming a part of the Supreme Court

3.1.2. Elected by Presidential Nomination

3.1.3. There are 9 Justices in the Supreme Court

3.1.4. The title of the Head Justice is: Chief Justice

3.1.5. Life time terms

3.2. Powers

3.2.1. Interpreting and expounding all Congressional enactments (laws) in proper cases

4. The Bill of Rights

4.1. 1st Amendment

4.1.1. Freedom of Religion, Speech, and the Press

4.1.1.1. Protects freedom of speech, freedom of religion, freedom of assembly, freedom of the press, and right to petition

4.2. 2nd Amendment

4.2.1. The Right to Bear Arms

4.2.1.1. Protects the rights of citizens to “bear arms” or own weapons such as guns

4.3. 3rd Amendment

4.3.1. The Housing of Soldiers

4.3.1.1. No soldier shall, in time of peace be quartered in any house, without the consent of the owner, nor in time of war, but in a manner to be prescribed by law

4.4. 4th Amendment

4.4.1. Protection from Unreasonable Searches and Seizures

4.4.1.1. Police can’t search you or your house without a warrant or probable case

4.5. 5th Amendment

4.5.1. Protection of Rights to Life, Liberty, and Property

4.5.1.1. Prohibits self-incrimination and double jeopardy and mandates due process of law

4.6. 6th Amendment

4.6.1. Rights of Accused Persons in Criminal Cases

4.6.1.1. Insure that a person gets a fair trial

4.7. 7th Amendment

4.7.1. Rights in Civil Cases

4.7.1.1. Guarantees a jury trial for civil cases

4.8. 8th Amendment

4.8.1. Excessive Bail, Fines, and Punishments Forbidden

4.8.1.1. Excessive bail shall not be required, nor excessive fines imposed, nor cruel and unusual punishments inflicted

4.9. 9th Amendment

4.9.1. Other Rights Kept by the People

4.9.1.1. Certain rights shall not be construed to deny or disparage others retained by the people

4.10. 10th Amendment

4.10.1. Undelegated Powers Kept by the States and the People

4.10.1.1. Any power not specifically given to the federal government by the Constitution belongs to the States and the people