
VOTE IN THE KNOW
Democracy At Your Fingertips
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Voting is a system that upholds decisions won by a majority vote (i.e., democracy). Voting is effective when all Citizens are active participants. Learn more about VITK's mission.
The Branches of Government
Executive Branch

At the local, state, and federal levels, this branch enforces the laws and appoints cabinet members and leaders of various agencies [1f]. The election process for the executive leaders differs at each level. Federally, the electoral college (i.e., a voting body) elects the President and Vice President [1o]. The constituents (i.e., state residents) elect the Governor and/or Lieutenant Governor at the State level. Lastly, at the local (city) level, the residents of the city/town elect the Mayor or city manager [1p].
Legislative Branch

At the local, state, and federal levels, this branch creates the laws, accepts or denies Presidential/Gubernatorial appointments, has investigative powers, etc. [1g]. These members are also known as legislators. At the national level, the Legislative branch is called Congress. In most States, this branch is called the General Assembly or State Legislature [1r]. At the local level, the legislative branch is the City Council [1q]. Through their respective state or city elections, the people elect the members of Congress, General Assembly, or City Council.
Judicial Branch

At the local, state, and federal levels, this branch clarifies the law [1h]. The judicial branch is made up of justices/judges. The President appoints the judge(s) at the national or federal level, and the Senate confirms the nine Supreme Court Justices [1h]. At the state and local levels, the process varies by the different states or towns. For example, the judges can be appointed either by the people, the state legislatures, the governor, or a commission [1l]. To find out about your states' judicial selection process, click here.
REFERENCES |
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1m. Ballotpedia. (2019). Judicial selection in the states. Retrieved January 10, 2022, from https://ballotpedia.org/Judicial_selection_in_the_states |
1n. Ballotpedia. (n.d.). State executive offices. Retrieved January 10, 2022, from https://ballotpedia.org/State_executive_offices |
1o. National Archives. (2021, May 11). About the electors. Retrieved January 10, 2022, https://www.archives.gov/electoral-college/electors |
1p. USA.Gov. (2021, October 4). Congressional, State, and Local Elections. Retrieved January 10, 2022, from https://www.usa.gov/midterm-state-and-local-elections |
1q. Roberts, M. (2020, January 4). What a City Council Is and What It Does. The Balance Careers. Retrieved January 10, 2022, from https://www.thebalancecareers.com/city-council-1669443 |
