📚 Topic Summary
Political parties in the United States develop platforms that outline their stances on various issues, such as healthcare, the economy, and foreign policy. Understanding these platforms helps us distinguish between the parties and understand their goals for governing. The US government operates through a system of checks and balances between the legislative, executive, and judicial branches. Knowing how these branches interact and the powers they hold is essential to understanding how policies are made and laws are enforced.
🗳️ Part A: Vocabulary
Match the following terms with their definitions:
| Term |
Definition |
| 1. Platform |
A. The branch of government responsible for interpreting laws. |
| 2. Executive Branch |
B. A formal set of principal goals which are supported by a political party or individual candidate. |
| 3. Legislative Branch |
C. The branch of government responsible for enforcing laws. |
| 4. Judicial Branch |
D. The branch of government responsible for making laws. |
| 5. Checks and Balances |
E. A system that allows each branch of government to limit the powers of the other branches in order to prevent abuse of power. |
✍️ Part B: Fill in the Blanks
Complete the paragraph using the words: Congress, President, Supreme Court, laws, veto.
The legislative branch, also known as __________, is responsible for making __________. The __________ can __________ a bill passed by Congress, but Congress can override this with a two-thirds vote. The __________ interprets the laws.
🤔 Part C: Critical Thinking
If a political party's platform emphasizes environmental protection and renewable energy, how might their proposed policies affect the economy, and what arguments might other parties raise in opposition?