These votes are tallied by states and form the Electoral College system. States have the number of electoral votes which equal the number of senators and representatives they have. It is possible to have the most popular votes throughout the nation and NOT win the electoral vote of the Electoral College.
The Legislative part of our government is called Congress. Congress makes our laws. Congress is divided into 2 parts.
One part is called the Senate. There are Senators from each of our states. View a larger version of the infographic. An appeal is a request for a higher court to reverse the decision of a lower court. Most appeals come from federal courts.
They can come from state courts if a case deals with federal law. Dissatisfied parties petition the Court for review Parties may appeal their case to the Supreme Court, petitioning the Court to review the decision of the lower court.
Justices study documents The Justices examine the petition and supporting materials. Justices vote Four Justices must vote in favor for a case to be granted review. Parties make arguments The Justices review the briefs written arguments and hear oral arguments. In oral arguments, each side usually has 30 minutes to present its case. The Justices typically ask many questions during this time. Justices write opinions The Justices vote on the case and write their opinions. Justices who disagree with the majority opinion write dissenting or minority opinions.
The Court issues its decision Justices may change their vote after reading first drafts of the opinions. All cases are heard and decided before summer recess.
It can take up to nine months to announce a decision. The Court receives 7,, requests for review and grants for oral argument. Other requests are granted and decided without argument. Ask a real person any government-related question for free. They'll get you the answer or let you know where to find it. American Flag Branches of the U. The mission of the Department of Education is to promote student learning and preparation for college, careers, and citizenship in a global economy by fostering educational excellence and ensuring equal access to educational opportunity.
It administers federal funding for scientific research to further the goal of discovery and innovation — ensuring American economic competitiveness and improving the quality of life for Americans. Agencies of HHS conduct health and social science research, work to prevent disease outbreaks, assure food and drug safety, and provide health insurance.
DHS has a broad and diverse mission set, including to prevent and disrupt terrorist attacks, protect critical infrastructure and civilian computer networks, facilitate lawful trade and travel, respond to and recover from natural disasters, protect our borders, and regulate the migration of individuals to and from our country. Coast Guard, U. Customs and Border Protection, U. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, U. The Homeland Security Act of established the Department in response to the terrorist attacks of September 11, and brought together 22 executive branch agencies.
The Assistant to the President for Homeland Security and the Secretary of Homeland Security coordinate policy, including through the Homeland Security Council at the White House and in cooperation with other defense and intelligence agencies.
The Department plays a major role in supporting homeownership for low- and moderate-income families through its mortgage insurance and rent subsidy programs. Offices within HUD include the Federal Housing Administration, which provides mortgage and loan insurance; the Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity, which ensures all Americans equal access to the housing of their choice; and the Community Development Block Grant Program, which helps communities with economic development, job opportunities, and housing rehabilitation.
HUD also administers public housing and homeless assistance. DOI manages approximately million acres of surface land, or about one-fifth of the land in the United States, and manages hundreds of dams and reservoirs.
Geological Survey. The DOI manages the national parks and is tasked with protecting endangered species. Every year it raises billions in revenue from energy, mineral, grazing, and timber leases, as well as recreational permits and land sales. The mission of the Department of Justice DOJ is to enforce the law and defend the interests of the United States according to the law; to ensure public safety against threats foreign and domestic; to provide federal leadership in preventing and controlling crime; to seek just punishment for those guilty of unlawful behavior; and to ensure fair and impartial administration of justice for all Americans.
Marshals, and the Federal Bureau of Prisons. The Attorney General is the head of the DOJ and chief law enforcement officer of the federal government. The Attorney General represents the United States in legal matters, advises the President and the heads of the executive departments of the government, and occasionally appears in person before the Supreme Court.
The Department of Labor oversees federal programs for ensuring a strong American workforce. These programs address job training, safe working conditions, minimum hourly wage and overtime pay, employment discrimination, and unemployment insurance.
Major responsibilities include United States representation abroad, foreign assistance, foreign military training programs, countering international crime, and a wide assortment of services to U. Foreign Service employees — as well as with international organizations.
At home, more than 5, civil employees carry out the mission of the Department. The mission of the Department of Transportation DOT is to ensure a fast, safe, efficient, accessible and convenient transportation system that meets our vital national interests and enhances the quality of life of the American people. The Department of the Treasury is responsible for promoting inclusive economic prosperity for all Americans.
The Department advances U. The Treasury Department also performs a critical role in enhancing national security by safeguarding our financial systems, implementing economic sanctions against foreign threats to the U. The Department of Veterans Affairs is responsible for administering benefit programs for veterans, their families, and their survivors. These benefits include pension, education, disability compensation, home loans, life insurance, vocational rehabilitation, survivor support, medical care, and burial benefits.
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