Executive Branch Overview

Article II of the US Constitution establishes the executive branch led by the president of the United States. The executive branch comprises the vice president, cabinet, and other executive departments. Its job is to oversee and maintain government functions while carrying out laws passed by Congress. The president is elected to a four-year term. The…

Legislative Branch Overview

Article I of the US Constitution establishes the legislature as a bicameral body consisting of the House of Representatives and the Senate. The legislative branch has the power to make laws, approve the budget, and oversee the actions of the executive branch through the power of oversight and impeachment. It also has the power to…

Role of a Mayor

The role of a mayor in a city varies depending on the specific city and its governing structure, but in general, a mayor is the chief executive of a local government. Some of the responsibilities of a mayor include: The specific duties of a mayor can vary depending on the city’s charter and the mayor’s…

How Elections in the United States Work

The United States has a long and storied history of democracy, and elections have been a critical part of that story. Today, elections in the United States are held at the federal, state, and local levels. Federal elections, held every four years, select the president and vice president. State elections, held every two years, elect…

Revolutionary War Battles Before the Declaration of Independence

The Revolutionary War was fought between Great Britain and the thirteen North American Colonies. Many consider July 4, 1776, the starting point of the American Revolution, but in reality it starts much earlier. The English Parliament began imposing taxes on American colonies to help pay for the French and Indian War. These taxes led to…

Powers of the State Government

The powers of a state government in the United States are defined in the Tenth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, which states that any powers not explicitly delegated to the federal government by the Constitution are reserved for the states or the people. State governments have the power to regulate issues that affect the day-to-day…

Why Does the Electoral College Matter?

The Electoral College is an essential part of the United States’ democratic process. Every four years, citizens across the nation participate in an election to determine the President and Vice President of the United States. However, the outcome is not determined by the popular vote but by the Electoral College. The Electoral College was established…

Judicial Branch Overview

Article III of the US Constitution establishes the judicial branch. However, it only creates the Supreme Court and allows Congress to establish other courts that might be needed. One of the first acts of the Senate was the Federal Judiciary Act (1789), establishing the Judiciary that we know it today. This act included describing the…

President’s Cabinet

The president’s cabinet is a group of high-level officials appointed by the president of the United States to advise and assist them in making important decisions. The cabinet comprises the heads of various federal departments, such as the Department of State, Department of Defense, and Department of Treasury, as well as other top-level officials, such…

Role of a city council

The role of a city council is to represent the interests of the citizens of a city and make decisions on behalf of the community, serving as the legislature of the local government. Some of the key responsibilities of a city council include: The specific powers and responsibilities of a city council can vary depending…