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What is the difference between the Senate and the House of Representatives?
The Senate has 100 senators, 2 per state regardless of population. Senators serve 6-year terms. The House has 435 representatives, allocated by state population. Representatives serve 2-year terms. Both must pass a bill for it to become law. The Senate has special powers including confirming presidential appointments and ratifying treaties. The House must originate all tax and revenue bills.
How does the Supreme Court work?
The Supreme Court has 9 justices appointed by the President and confirmed by the Senate. They serve for life. The Court hears about 100-150 cases per year out of 7,000-8,000 requests. A case needs 4 justices to agree to hear it. Decisions require a majority of 5 justices. The Court interprets the Constitution and its decisions are final and binding on all lower courts. A ruling can only be overturned by a later Supreme Court or a Constitutional amendment.
What is the Electoral College?
The Electoral College is the system used to elect the President. Each state gets electoral votes equal to its total Congressional seats (House + Senate). California has 54, Wyoming has 3. Most states award all electoral votes to whoever wins the state popular vote. A candidate needs 270 out of 538 electoral votes to win. This is why candidates focus heavily on swing states like Pennsylvania, Michigan, and Wisconsin.
What is the difference between federal and state law?
Federal law applies to everyone in the US and overrides state law when they conflict (Supremacy Clause). State law applies only within that state and covers areas not regulated by federal law — family law, property law, most crimes. Some areas are shared — both federal and state governments can regulate commerce and taxation. California for example has stricter environmental and labor laws than federal minimums.
How does the federal budget work?
The federal government spends about $6.5 trillion per year. The largest expenses are Social Security (22%), Medicare and Medicaid (24%), defense (13%), and interest on debt (13%). The government funds this through income taxes (49%), payroll taxes (36%), corporate taxes (9%), and other revenue. When spending exceeds revenue the government borrows money by selling Treasury bonds adding to the national debt, which now exceeds $34 trillion.