U.S. GOVERNMENT | A resilient balance of institutions
13 December 2007
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What does the term “checks and balances” mean?
A. The term refers to the U.S. system of government in which each branch of government has some level of authority over the other two branches. This approach keeps any one branch of government from exercising unrestricted power.
Find out more in “Federalism Checks the Power of the Central Government.”
Q. How many people serve in the U.S. Congress?
A: The Senate has 100 senators; the House of Representatives has 435 voting members, apportioned among the U.S. states according to population.
Find out more in “Who Can Serve in the U.S. Congress?”
Q. How many justices sit on the U.S. Supreme Court?
A: Nine. One of the nine is designated chief justice of the United State s.
Find out more in “U.S. Supreme Court Is a Unique Institution.”
Q. Can Congress remove a president from office?
A. Congress can impeach a president and force his removal from office. Under this process, the House of Representatives prepares a statement of the alleged misconduct. If the House determines by vote there are grounds for impeachment, the Senate has responsibility for determining the accuracy of the charges
Find out more in “U.S. Constitution Grants Congress Its Powers”
Q. How long can an individual serve as U.S. president?
A: The 22nd Amendment of the U.S. Constitution limits a president to two terms of four years each. President Franklin Delano Roosevelt, who held office before the 22nd Amendment was adopted, served from 1933 to 1945.
Find out more in “President Is Most Powerful Individual in U.S. Government.”
