United States Government Information

Ben's Guide to U.S. Government is a fun site that can help you remember what you learned in school. This site is great if you have a question about how US elections, how a bill becomes a law or how the federal government works with states. 

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The University of Michigan has been a Federal Depository Library since 1884. Depository libraries provide local, no-fee access to government information in a non-partisan environment with professional librarians available to assist users.

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Accessible Text Equivalent:
Ben's Guide to the U.S. Government

A service of the U.S. Government Publishing Office

BENSGUIDE.GPO.GOV

Guide to Branches of Government

United States Constitution

• Highest law of the United States.
• Creates 3 branches of government.
• Creates a separation of powers.
• Uses a system of checks and balances.
• Contains 7 articles and 27 amendments.
• Oldest written constitution still in use.

Checks and Balances

• Ensure no one single person or entity has a monopoly on power.

Federal Agencies and Commissions

• Each branch has agencies and commissions that perform support functions or manage Federal programs. Examples include the GPO, CIA, EPA, FJC, and NASA.

Executive Branch: Implements Laws

President of the United States

• Must be a natural born citizen.
• Must be at least 35 years.
• Must have lived in the U.S. for 14 years.

Vice President

• First in line of succession.
• Cannot be from the same state as the President.

Cabinet

• As the President's closest and most trusted advisors, members of the Cabinet are considered experts in their field and offer advice as it relates to their specific agency.
• Consists of the Vice President and 15 heads of departments.

Executive Branch Checks on Other Branches

On Legislative: 

• The President can veto the laws Congress makes.

On Judicial: 

• The President can appoint judges.

Legislative Branch: Creates Laws 

Senate

• 100 members
• 2 per state
• Senators serve for 6 years

House of Representatives

• 435 members; 
  • In addition to the 435 House Reps there are 6 non-voting members representing D.C., Puerto Rico, U.S. territories.
• Representatives serve for 2 years
• Distributed among the 50 states in proportion to population

Legislative Branch Checks on Other Branches

On Executive:

• Congress can impeach the President.
• Congress must approve treaties and appointments.
• Congress can override vetoes.

On Judicial:

• Congress can overturn court decisions by amendments.
• Congress can impeach judges.

Judicial Branch: Interprets Laws 

Supreme Court

• Highest court in the U.S.
• Appointments are made for life.
• Made up of 1 Chief Justice and 8 Associates.

Appellate

• Composed of 13 courts.
• Hears appeals from District Court cases.
• Decisions can be appealed to the Supreme Court.

District

• Trial court system.
• Composed of 94 districts.
• Jurisdiction over civil and criminal Federal cases.

Judicial Branch Checks on Other Branches

On Executive:

• The Supreme Court can overturn executive orders.

On Legislative: 

• The Supreme Court can overturn laws.

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