The US Constitution is the supreme law of the United States of America. It serves as the foundation for its political and legal systems.
The US Constitution is a written document. It is also rigid, meaning the process to amend it is intentionally difficult to ensure stability and protect the rights of states.
The US operates under a federal system, where power is divided between the national (central) government and individual state governments.
This principle ensures that the legislative, executive, and judicial functions are held by different branches to prevent the concentration of power.
[Image of the three branches of the US government: Legislative, Executive, and Judicial]Each branch has the power to limit the actions of the others. For example, the President can veto legislation passed by Congress, while Congress can override a veto.
The first ten amendments, known as the Bill of Rights, guarantee fundamental individual liberties such as freedom of speech and religion.
The President is the head of the executive branch and serves as both head of state and head of government.
The President is elected for a four-year term through an Electoral College system. A person is limited to serving two terms.
The President "shall take Care that the Laws be faithfully executed."
The US Congress is the bicameral legislature responsible for making federal laws.
| House of Representatives | The Senate |
|---|---|
| 435 members elected based on population. | 100 members (2 from each of the 50 states). |
| Members serve 2-year terms. | Members serve 6-year terms. |
| Led by the Speaker of the House. | Led by the Vice President or President Pro Tempore. |
The Supreme Court is the highest judicial body in the United States.
It typically consists of a Chief Justice and eight Associate Justices. Justices are appointed for life to ensure judicial independence.
The most significant power is Judicial Review, the authority to declare acts of the legislature or executive unconstitutional.
Q: How long is a US Supreme Court Justice's term?
A: They serve for life ("during good behavior").
Q: Who is the "Commander-in-Chief"?
A: The President of the United States.
L-E-J: Order of the first three Articles of the Constitution - Legislative, Executive, Judicial.