How "We the People" Govern: Elections and Representation
1 of 13
What is the most fundamental way for citizens to participate in their self-government?
By voting in local, state, and federal elections.
What are the two parts of the U.S. Congress?
The Senate and the House of Representatives.
How do the American people exercise their power through Congress?
By electing members to the House of Representatives and the Senate, who then create and vote on federal laws on behalf of the people they represent.
For how many years is a U.S. Representative elected?
Two years.
For how many years is a U.S. Senator elected?
Six years.
For how many years is a U.S. President elected?
Four years.
Why do different federal offices have different term lengths?
To create a balance. Shorter House terms ensure representatives are responsive to the people's immediate will, while longer Senate and Presidential terms provide stability and a focus on long-term issues.
If the President can no longer serve, who becomes President?
The Vice President.
Who is the Commander in Chief of the military?
The President.
Who makes federal laws in the United States?
Congress, which consists of the Senate and the House of Representatives.
What is the economic system in the United States?
A capitalist economy, also known as a market economy.
Name one of the two major political parties in the United States.
The Democratic Party or the Republican Party.
What role does the Electoral College play in presidential elections?
When citizens vote for president, they are actually voting for a slate of electors. These electors then cast the official votes that determine who will be president.
