UNIT 6, CHP 2: Structures, Powers, and Function of the U.S. Government
🇺🇸 Unit 6 Chapter 2 Study Guide
Structures, Powers, and Functions of the U.S. Government
⭐ Key Principles of Government
Popular Sovereignty → Power comes from the people
Example: “We the People”Rule of Law → Everyone must follow the law (even leaders)
Federalism → Power is shared between national and state governments
Checks and Balances → Each branch can limit the power of the others
🏛️ The Three Branches of Government
1. Legislative Branch (Congress)
Makes laws
Declares war
Controls money (taxes/spending)
Can impeach officials
2. Executive Branch (President)
Enforces laws
Can veto bills
Appoints judges and officials
Leads the military
3. Judicial Branch (Supreme Court)
Interprets laws
Declares laws unconstitutional
Judges serve for life
⚖️ Checks and Balances (Important!)
Know these key examples:
President → veto laws
Congress → override veto & impeach
Supreme Court → declare laws unconstitutional
President → appoints judges
Congress → approves appointments
👉 Main idea: No branch gets too powerful
🧠 Separation of Powers
Power is divided into 3 branches
Each branch has its own job
This protects freedom and prevents abuse of power
🗳️ How Laws Are Made
Bill passes Congress
Goes to the President
President can:
Sign it → becomes law
Veto it → goes back to Congress
Do nothing → becomes law after 10 days
🗳️ Electoral College
People vote for electors, not directly for president
Electors vote for president
Most states = winner-take-all
✏️ Amending the Constitution
2/3 of Congress must approve
3/4 of states must ratify
🌎 Federal vs State Powers
Federal (National) Powers
Coin money
Declare war
Regulate trade
👉 Called Enumerated Powers
State Powers
Education
Health & safety
👉 Called Reserved Powers
Shared Powers
Tax
Borrow money
👉 Called Concurrent Powers
📊 Key Vocabulary
Appropriation → money set aside for a purpose
Popular Vote → votes cast by citizens
Appeal → asking a higher court to review a case
Executive Order → law made by the president
Concurrent Powers → shared powers
📖 Important Ideas from Sources
James Madison (Federalist 47) → No one branch should have too much power
Montesquieu → Separation of powers protects freedom
🔥 Big Ideas to Remember
Government power comes from the people
Power is divided AND shared
Each branch checks the others
The Constitution can change, but it’s difficult
Essay: The U.S. Constitution created a republican government that was meant to balance the powers of federal and state governments and the rights of the people. To what extent is the U.S. government “of the people, by the people, and for the people”?
The U.S. government is “of the people, by the people, and for the people” to a great extent because citizens have the power to choose their leaders and influence laws. The Constitution created a republican government where people vote for representatives to make decisions for them. For example, citizens elect members of Congress and the president, which shows the government is “by the people.” The government gets its power from the citizens (popular sovereignty). In addition, the Bill of Rights protects freedoms like speech and religion, which shows the government is “for the people.” The entire document which is the blueprint of our government begins with the Preamble "We the people of the United States of America . . ."
More Examples of “By the People”
People can run for office themselves.
Citizens can vote on local issues (like taxes or school matters in some areas).
People serve on juries, helping make decisions in court.
More Examples of “For the People”
The government provides public services like schools, roads, and safety.
Laws are created to protect citizens’ rights and freedoms.
Programs exist to help people in need (disaster relief, public health, etc.).