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1.-Separation of PowersSeparation of powers is the distribution of constitutional authority among the three branchesof government. The legislature makes laws, the executive enforces them, and the judiciaryinterprets them.-Checks and BalancesCongress: approves budget, can override veto, can impeach, controls jurisdiction and setupof federal courts, confirms judicial and high level federal appointments.Judicial: can declare executive actions and laws unconstitutionalExecutive: proposes laws, vetoes laws, can call sessions of congress, can pardon federalcrimes, nominates federal officers and judges-How/why cases reach the Supreme CourtState supreme court (if a constitutional question is raised) or US court of appealswrit ofcertiorariruleof fourUS supreme court.SC takes cases based on constitutional responsibility, if a question needs to be answered,and if an issue needs an immediate resolution. The SC has original jurisdiction in casesinvolving ambassadors or when a state is a party.

2.-Two Party SystemRepublican/Democrat, hard for other parties to emerge due to winner take all system andpowerful influence of the two main parties. If there were many factions, the country wouldbe even more divided and inefficient than it is now.-Political party identification over timeThe federalists and antifederalists arose supporting the new constitution and governmentand opposing them respectively. The federalists became the Republicans and theantifederalists the democrats. The Republicans gained power through the Civil War but theDemocrats retained a strong base in the South. After industrialization in the early 1900s, theparty platforms began to switch. Eventually, FDR, a Democrat, was supporting Keynesianeconomics and and heavy government influence to combat the depression.

-Relative importance of parties over timeThe parties were originally the basis for the groups supporting and opposing the constitution,a way for people to unify their beliefs with other like minded individuals and combatopposing beliefs. 200 years later, the parties are still a way for voters to support generalplatforms that encompass views they support as well as help them stay involved in theirgovernment.

3.-Legislative ProcessBills are introduced in either housecommitteefloor debategoes to otherchamberconference committee resolves chamber differencespresident

-Differences between the Senate and HouseSenate: filibuster, less rules, jurisdiction on treaty and presidential appointment approvalHouse: technically origin of revenue bills, impeachment authority, no filibuster

4.-Federal BudgetThe budgets sources of income are mostly income/business income tax, other taxes liketariffs, and borrowing. The OMB compiles a list of estimated revenue and expenditure which,

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with the presidents guidelines and influence, is sent to congress for approval. The CBOassists congress by preparing budget data and analyzing the presidents recommendations.Congress must eventually reconcile on a final budget bill and sign it into law.-Budget DeficitDeficit is how much yearly spending eclipses the revenue of the government. We had noneat one point, but after Bushs tax cuts and war, The deficit has added trillions to our debtevery year.-Entitlement SpendingEntitlements are the largest, most expensive set of programs that make up our budget.They include unemployment, disability, medicaid, and welfare. A means tested entitlementmeans you must meet certain requirements to qualify.