Being educated about an elected official's history can help you make an informed decision about the person you want to be your government representative.
What kind stance do they take on big social issues? How did they vote? What kind of bills do they support? Who is financially backing them in their campaign? What lobbyist group are they associated with? What kind of education do they have?
It's a good idea to cross check your sources. If you find something on a government site, try confirming it on an education site. The more sources you have to back your facts, the better. Please visit our libguide on evaluating sources.
| Position | Primary Roles | |
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U.S. President Term: 4 years |
Approves final bills
-Vetoes bills (Entire bills only, not individual parts of the bill) -Recommends bills -Nominates Supreme Court Justices. -The president nominates the 'Secretaries' of each of these departments. The senate must confirm these nominations. |
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Vice President Term: 4 years |
-President of the Senate. -Can cast tie breaking votes in the senate. |
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U.S. Representative Term: |
-Introduces bills and resolutions -Offers amendments to bills -Represent their constituents. -Monitor agencies, programs, and activities from within their corresponding committees. |
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U.S. Senator Term: 6 years |
-Controls federal taxing and spending policies -Proposes new bills -Functions in congress to: Coin money -Acts as watch dog to the executive branch -Declares war on other countries -Regulating interstate and foreign commerce -Confirms or denies treaties drafted by the president. -Confirms or disapproves the president's nominates for cabinet, justice, or ambassador officials. -Holds trial for government officials that have committed a crime against the country. |
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Supreme Court Justice Term: Life |
-Interprets constitutional law. -Has authority over federal courts. -Writes procedures for lower federal courts. -Federal law and interpretations by the supreme court have higher authority than the state courts, but cannot involve itself in state matters. |
