Programs and Events

Mid-Term Elections in the United States

On November 7, Americans voted for Congressional representatives and state governors. Follow the links below for election results and more information about the key issues.

Elections occur every two years in the U.S. In November of every even-numbered year, elections are held for all 435 members of the U.S. House of Representatives and for one-third of the 100 members of the U.S. Senate. However, Presidential elections occur only every four years. Those elections for Congress that do not coincide with Presidential races are called midterm elections, because they occur about midway through a Presidential term. The next presidential election will be in November 2008.

Currently the Republican Party holds a small majority of seats in both houses of Congress. Because Congress has the power to pass laws and determine how funds are spent, the outcome of the midterm elections could greatly impact U.S. politics and law.

Thirty-six of the fifty American states will also vote for their governor in November.

We encourage you to follow these links for more information on the U.S. government and the upcoming elections, and to read the brief summary below.

THE MIDTERM ELECTIONS

Key Senate, House & Governor Races

Background on Mid-Term Elections from the Foreign Press Center

American Voters’ Top 10 Priority Issues - Gallup Poll

Other Polling Data

Election 2006: Candidates & Information

Cook Political Report

Youth Voting in the 2006 Midterm Elections, Ages 18-29

Muslim Public Affairs Council Director Ahmed Younis Discusses the Importance of Youth Voting

The First Muslim Member of Congress?

Arab Americans Meet with Candidates

THE TWO MAJOR POLITICAL PARTIES IN THE U.S.

The Republican Party

The Democratic Party

Party Standings

THE AMERICAN GOVERNMENT

How the U.S. is Governed (English)

How the U.S. is Governed (Arabic)

Introduction to the U.S. Government

National Governors Association

DEMOCRATIC GOVERNANCE

Principles of Democracy (English)

Principles of Democracy (Arabic)

Democracy Journals

A BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE U.S. GOVERNMENT

The primary aim of the U.S. Constitution was to create a strong elected government, directly responsive to the will of the people. The American government consists of three major branches. This division of power was created to ensure a system of checks and balances against corruption and negligence. The three branches are the Executive Branch, the Legislative Branch, and the Judicial Branch.

THE EXECUTIVE BRANCH

The Executive Branch is the largest branch and is lead by the President, who serves a four-year term. The President nominates the heads of agencies and the 15 executive departments, which serve similar functions as the Ministries found in other countries. Each department is headed by a secretary. These secretaries, and other top officials, make up the Cabinet, a group of people who advise the President. In addition to the cabinet-level departments, there are numerous independent agencies and commissions, including the Federal Reserve System, which is the nation’s central bank.

The Constitution requires that the President be at least 35 years of age and have been born in the U.S. The President lives and works in the White House, located in Washington D.C.

THE LEGISLATIVE BRANCH

The Legislative Branch, or the Congress, consists of two chambers; the House of Representatives and the Senate, with each having the power to introduce legislation.

There are 100 members of the Senate -- two Senators from each state of the fifty states. The Vice President is the President of the Senate.

There are 435 members of the House of Representatives. Membership in the House is based on each state’s population, and every state is guaranteed at least one representative. Today, the ratio of representatives to people is about 1-to-600,000. The House of Representatives chooses its own presiding officer called the Speaker of the House. The Speaker is always a member of the political party with the largest representation.

The Congress is an exceedingly active branch of government with broad powers and authority. The Congress convenes in regular session each January 3 and remains in session until its members vote to adjourn –usually late into the year. The President may call a special session when he thinks it necessary.

THE JUDICIAL BRANCH

The Judicial Branch, or the judiciary, consists of a system of courts spread out through the country and is headed by the Supreme Court of the United States. An independent federal judiciary is considered essential to ensure fairness and equal justice for all citizens.

THE STATES

The U.S. has several layers of government ranging from the federal government at the national level, to state and local governments. State government structures generally mirror the federal government, with an independent judiciary, a popularly elected legislature, and an elected head of the executive branch, which is the governor. The governor is typically elected for a four-year term. A few American presidents were former governors.

Each state is sovereign, with its own constitution, elected officials, and budgetary authority. The U.S. Constitution and federal law, however, supersede state constitutions and state laws if there is a disagreement. Each state constitution provides for the establishment of county, city, and other local governmental entities.

THE POLITICAL PARTIES

There are two major national political parties in the U.S.: the Democratic Party and the Republican Party. Together with minor parties, these organizations are an important part of the American system of government.

Political parties recruit candidates for public office, raise campaign funds, conduct voter education programs and opinion research, and provide information about government officials and activities. Independent candidates and minor political parties also provide organized opposition to those in power, placing an additional check on government power.