The United States Government

Separation of Powers The Framers of the Constitution based their new government on the ideas of Baron de Montesquieau, who proposed a “separation of powers”. In this system, the government was to be divided into three branches of government, each branch having particular powers. Not only does each branch of the government have particular powers, each branch has certain powers over the other branches. This is done to keep them balanced and to prevent one branch form ever gaining too much power.

The Legislative Branch Makes all federal laws Senate must approve treaties and all important presidential appointments May propose amendments to the Constitution Can declare war Conducts investigations and reviews government actions HOR and Senate appointed. TERMS: HOR, 2yrs, Senators, 6yrs. Can impeach the president

The Executive Branch Makes sure all federal laws are enforced Proposes new laws to Congress Can veto bills passed by Congress Commands the Armed Forces Appoints Supreme Ct. Justices and other top officials TERMS: Serves for 4yrs, can only serve 2 terms. Electoral college Negotiates and makes treaties with other people, countries.

The Judicial Branch Acts as the final appeals court – upholds or overthrows verdicts of lower cts. Consists of 9 Supreme Court Justices Interprets the Constitution, Federal laws, Treaties and other arguments Decides whether laws or executive actions are constitutional. TERMS: Appointed for “good behavior” life.

3 Branches of Government Game

Makes the laws Negotiates treaties with other countries Can ratify treaties Can impeach the President Can veto laws Can declare laws unconstitutional Recommends appointments to the federal court

Declares actions of the President unconstitutional Can declare war Serves as Commander of all Armed Forces May increase or decrease taxes Confirms Presidential appointments Propose amendments to the Constitution Serve for life

How A Bill Becomes a Law How A Bill Becomes a Law