The Government Rap

Yo yo... by Duncan

1787, the Constitution was written
As a better form of government compared to Britain
They chose a republic, not democratic way to rule
So government would use the Constitution as a tool

A democracy could oppress the minority
But a republic made everyone's rights a priority
Powers were broken into three and made official
Executive, Legislative, and Judicial

Executive is the prez, v-prez, and cabinet
Legislative, House of Representatives and Senate
Last, Judicial, the Supreme and other federal courts
All three are separate, the Constitution reports

The president runs and is elected every four years
must be a citizen, 35, and live 14 years here
They command the military, appoint judges they want
Also, make treaties, pass or veto bills, and pursue détente

The 'House's duties are to present, debate, and pass laws
They can also impeach officials, if they made major flaws
435 are there in DC where they're sent
They must be citizens, of age, and live where they represent

The Senate's hundred senators, from each state, two
Also handle impeachments, make laws, and treaties, too
Their terms are six years, House is two, and must work in DC
If a vote's equally divided, tie-breaker's the VP

The judicial branch is the high courts of the nation
In charge of constitutional law interpretation
On top's the Supreme Court, nine justices with final say
There till retirement, law-breaking or their dying day

New laws are really called bills till everyone agrees
They Start in the House or Senate, then move to committees
Once agreed on, bills must be approved by both sides, then
It's law if the Prez signs and gives away some pens

The number of main political parties is two
Republicans, in red, and Democrats, in blue
Some Party philosophies have changed over time a lot
But, Rs tends to be conservative, and Ds are not

Primaries and caucuses are how elections begin
States choose a candidate for president who they want to win
Each party's candidates campaign to get attention
Then, In November, people vote in the election

Only US citizens and 18 can vote, see
You can register online or at the DMV
You'll get a card to tell you all about your Polling place
On Election Day, go there, and bring your ID, just in case

Electoral College members vote state's winning choice
This helps to give smaller states with few voters a voice
The one with 270 votes will win
January 20th, they'll become Prez at the swearing-in