1.-Separation of Powers Separation of powers is the distribution of constitutional authority among the three branches of government.

The legislature makes laws, the executive enforces them, and the judiciary interprets them. -Checks and Balances Congress: approves budget, can override veto, can impeach, controls jurisdiction and setup of federal courts, confirms judicial and high level federal appointments. Judicial: can declare executive actions and laws unconstitutional Executive: proposes laws, vetoes laws, can call sessions of congress, can pardon federal crimes, nominates federal officers and judges -How/why cases reach the Supreme Court State supreme court (if a constitutional question is raised) or US court of appealswrit of certiorarirule of 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 cases involving ambassadors or when a state is a party. 2.-Two Party System Republican/Democrat, hard for other parties to emerge due to winner take all system and powerful influence of the two main parties. If there were many factions, the country would be even more divided and inefficient than it is now. -Political party identification over time The federalists and antifederalists arose supporting the new constitution and government and opposing them respectively. The federalists became the Republicans and the antifederalists the democrats. The Republicans gained power through the Civil War but the Democrats retained a strong base in the South. After industrialization in the early 1900s, the party platforms began to switch. Eventually, FDR, a Democrat, was supporting Keynesian economics and and heavy government influence to combat the depression. -Relative importance of parties over time The 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 combat opposing beliefs. 200 years later, the parties are still a way for voters to support general platforms that encompass views they support as well as help them stay involved in their government. 3.-Legislative Process Bills are introduced in either housecommitteefloor debategoes to other chamberconference committee resolves chamber differencespresident -Differences between the Senate and House Senate: filibuster, less rules, jurisdiction on treaty and presidential appointment approval House: technically origin of revenue bills, impeachment authority, no filibuster

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

with the presidents guidelines and influence, is sent to congress for approval. The CBO assists 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 Deficit Deficit is how much yearly spending eclipses the revenue of the government. We had none at one point, but after Bushs tax cuts and war, The deficit has added trillions to our debt every year. -Entitlement Spending Entitlements are the largest, most expensive set of programs that make up our budget. They include unemployment, disability, medicaid, and welfare. A means tested entitlement means you must meet certain requirements to qualify.