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How American Government Works

 

 

The legislative branch makes laws for the country. This is done in Congress, which is made up of two parts. The House of Representatives has 435 members. Small states have only a few members and big states, like California or New York have many representatives. The Senate has 100 senators, two from each state. Members of Congress are elected every two years.

The executive branch makes sure that people follow the laws, that the legislative branch makes. The leaders of this branch are the President and his Vice President. They are elected by the people every four years.

When people are not sure about the meaning of a law, the judicial branch listens to the opinions and makes a decision. It is made up of courts. The U.S. Supreme Court is the highest in the country. 9 judges , who are appointed by the President, meet in a building in Washington D.C.

 

 

 

The American President - Table of Contents

Presidential Election 2008 - Table of Contents

 

Online Exercises

 

 

Words

  • appoint = chose by somebody
  • court =the place where a judge and a jury decides if a person is guilty or not
  • decision =judgement
  • executive branch = a part of government that makes sure that people follow the law
  • few = not very many
  • judge = the person who is in control of a court
  • judicial branch = the system of courts in a country
  • law =a set of rules in a country
  • legislative branch = the part of government that makes the laws
  • representatives = members
  • make sure = to check and see if something has been done
  • meaning = what it means
  • opinion =what people believe or think