Policymaking Institutions Infographic

Senate

Ameya Ughadmathe

House

Power to make laws, declare war, veto, impeach, judge elections, returns and qualitfications for its members, etc.

~Standing Committee: Deals with permanent legislative concern ~Joint Committee: Permanently formed and consisting of members of both houses ~Select Committee: Temporary committee created for a specific purpose ~Conference Committee: A common type of committee with members from both houses temporarily formed to iron out differences between House and Senate versions of a bill.

Types of Congressional Comittees & Powers

-Members chosen by an entire state -6-year term -Originally elected by state legislatures; now elected by voters -Tries impeached federal officials -100 members -Fewer rules and restrictions -Unlimited debate (may filibuster) -More prestige and more media attention -Must approve presidential appointments and ratify treaties -Fewer committees -Presiding officer is designated by the Constitution and is not a senator (the Vice president of the U.S.)

-Members chosen from local districts -2 Year term -Brings impeachment charges against federal officials -435 voting members -More formal rules -Limited debate (may not filibuster) -Originates revenue and appropriations bills -More committees -Presiding officer is a voting member chosen by the House (the Speaker)

Legislative Branch

Policymaking Institutions

The President appoints people and the Senate confirms the members of the independent agency. Given fixed terms and may only be removed "for cause".

Independent Regulatory System

The first ones created were treasury, war and state. Currently there are 15 executive departments of Homeland Security since 2002. THe FBI is an example of an executive department.

Executive Departments

Includes National Security Council, National Security Council, Council of Economic Advisers, Council on Environmental Quality, Office of National Drug Control Policy. They advise the president on matters like policy, personnel and budget.

Executive Office of the President (EOP)

Chief Legislator: gives congress information on the state of the union. Chief Executive: must take care that the laws be faithfully executed. -Commander in chief of armed forces and militia: Chooses who occupies command positions in each branch of armed forces and can also remove officers. -Chief of State: Grants pardons for offenses, but can’t pardon an individual who has been impeached. -Chief Diplomat: Can make treaties with other foreign nations.

Powers given to President

Executive Branch

Supreme Court: Highest court in the country, appeals jurisdiction through process, limited original jurisdiction over some cases Courts of Appeal: Intermediate level in the federal system, No original jurisdiction.. District Courts: Lowest level in the federal system, No appellate jurisdiction, Original jurisdiction over most cases. .

Tax Court

Very Limited original Jurisdiction

Highest State Court

Court of Appeals for federal circuit

Claims Court

lower military courts

Court of Appeals for armed forces

Court of International Trade

District Courts

Supreme Court

Court of Appeals

Judicial Branch

-Judges appointed for life --actions can be unconstituional

-Interpret laws -Can declare laws unconstitutional

-Recommends legislation -Can veto bills -Enforce laws

--Can impeach -veto congress can declare war

-Can impeach -Determines the judges -can create lower courts like court of appeals

-Enforce court decisions -assign judges

Executive

Judicial

Legislative

Interactions Between Branches