Who’s Who? in Florida Politics

Heads the executive branch of the federal government. Serves for four years with a two-term (eight years) maximum.

• Nominates the heads of all executive departments and federal agencies, including Department of Homeland Security.
• Proposes the federal budget for approval by Congress.
• Has the power to veto (reject) bills passed by Congress; Congress can overturn a veto with a two-thirds majority vote.
• Serves as the Commander-in-Chief of the armed forces.
• Appoints federal judges.

The president sets enforcement priorities for immigration laws. For decades, presidents of both parties have deferred the deportation of millions of people who entered the country without documentation.

Recommends funding levels for programs such as childcare, health-care, and domestic violence services.

Nominates lifetime appointments of federal judges and justices, who rule on issues such as equal rights and privacy issues.

There are 435 mem-bers of the US House of Representatives. All seats in the House are up for re-election every two years. The number of represen-tatives from each state is based on population. Currently Florida has 27 representatives.

• Makes and passes federal laws.
• Decides the budget for federal programs.
• Determines federal tax guidelines.
• Can propose changes to the Constitution.
• Has the power to declare war.

Decides whether to expand or cut funding for programs such as Head Start, Medicaid, Cash Assistance, Social Security, relief for victims of natural disas-ters, military spending, childcare, healthcare and domestic violence services.

Creates federal laws governing immigration, healthcare, education, criminal justice, student loan interest rates, and labor and environmental protections

There are 100 members of the US Senate. Each state elects two senators in a statewide election for six-year terms. Senate races are staggered so that only one senator in a state is up for election at a time.

• In addition, the Senate approves the president’s appointments to important positions, including the US Supreme Court and the Cabinet (the body that advises the President, consisting of top officials from key departments).

Same as House of Representatives (above).

The state is divided into 40 Senate districts and each district elects one senator. State Senate seats are up for election every four years, with a two-term limit (eight years).

Initiates state laws in areas such as state taxes, business regulation, education, childcare, and conservation of natural resources. Shares budget-making responsibilities with the governor. Can override a veto by the governor with a two-thirds majority vote in the legislature.

Decides how much of the state budget should support public schools, higher education, or the CHIP program for low-income children. Can propose expanding Medicaid, allowing low-income people to receive federal subsidies for health insurance. Can propose laws to limit or expand access to healthcare, including reproductive healthcare; to raise the minimum wage; to ensure equal pay; and to oppose discrimination.

The state has 120 House districts. Each district elects one Representative. All House seats are up for election every two years, with a two-term limit (eight years).

(Same as Florida Senate)

(Same as Florida Senate)

Each of the 67 Florida counties has its own school district, and each one has a locally elected school board. School board members serve staggered, four-year terms so that the entire board is not up for election at the same time. Most are non-partisan (no party listed on ballot) elections.

Adopts policies to guide the school district. Approves the annual budget. Serves as the public voice in the school system. In 26 districts the school board is responsible for selecting the superintendent, including Miami/Dade. In 41 districts the superintendent is elected independently.

Approves curriculum for use in the district on all subjects, including science, history, sexuality education, and civics. Determines if district will use corporal punishment (paddling).

Creates city policies and ordinances. City council members are usually elected by residents living in specific “districts,” or are elected “at large” by voters in the entire city.

Sets city taxes and manages the city budget. Oversees all construction and improvement projects in the city Works with the mayor and city staff to develop city’s strategic plan.

Can provide financial support to community services, which support low-income women and families. Makes zoning decisions that can either promote or prevent the development of low-income housing.