Government sounds complicated. The system actually makes sense once you see the parts.
Civics 101 explores the mathematics behind democratic systems such as taxes, budgets, and representation.
Public systems rely heavily on numbers — from how tax revenue is collected to how representation is distributed across districts and states. By examining how these systems work, Creative STEM helps curious thinkers better understand how civic decisions are influenced.
Understanding Civics allows individuals to more clearly see how democratic systems operate and how policies impact communities.
Civics 101 Foundations
How are the branches of US Government supposed to work?
How are the branches of US Government supposed to work?
The system is designed to do two things at once:
- Get stuff done (govern)
- Prevent anyone from getting too powerful
Three Branches of US Government (and simplistic roles):
Legislative → Makes the Laws
United States Congress
- Writes laws
- Controls spending
- Represents the people (House) and states (Senate)
Executive → Enforces the Laws
Led by the Pre
The system is designed to do two things at once:
- Get stuff done (govern)
- Prevent anyone from getting too powerful
Three Branches of US Government (and simplistic roles):
Legislative → Makes the Laws
United States Congress
- Writes laws
- Controls spending
- Represents the people (House) and states (Senate)
Executive → Enforces the Laws
Led by the President of the United States
- Carries out laws
- Runs federal agencies
- Manages national security
Judicial → Interprets the Laws
Supreme Court of the United States
- Decides what laws mean
- Ensures laws follow the Constitution
How They Work Together (The Real Design)
How are the branches of US Government supposed to work?
Think of it like a three-step loop:
Step 1: Congress creates a law
Example: passes a healthcare or tax bill
Step 2: President acts on it
- Signs it → becomes law
- Vetoes it → sends it back
Step 3: Courts review it
- If challenged, courts decide if it’s constitutional
Then the system loops again.
Checks and Balances
Checks and Balances
Each branch can limit the activities of the other on purpose (guardrails built into the Constitution):
Congress checks the President
- Can override veto (2/3 vote)
- Controls funding (“power of the purse”)
- Can impeach/remove officials
President checks Congress
- Can veto laws
- Can call special sessions
- Influences policy through executive actions
Cou
Each branch can limit the activities of the other on purpose (guardrails built into the Constitution):
Congress checks the President
- Can override veto (2/3 vote)
- Controls funding (“power of the purse”)
- Can impeach/remove officials
President checks Congress
- Can veto laws
- Can call special sessions
- Influences policy through executive actions
Courts check Congress and the President
- Can strike down laws or actions
- Uses judicial review
Congress checks the Courts
- Confirms judges (Senate)
- Can change laws in response to rulings
- Can amend the Constitution