United States government

Words to Know Constitution Executive Branch Legislative Branch Judicial Branch President Governor Supreme Court Court of Appeals Juvenile Justice System

The U.S. Constitution Written in 1787, it outlines the plan of government for the United States of America. Three different “branches”, of the government were established, Legislative, Executive and Judicial These three branches have separate roles and responsibilities, but are equal in their importance and power.

The legislative branch The Constitution created Congress. Congress has two parts: The Senate and The House of Representatives. The main duty of the Legislative branch is to make laws.

THE LEGISLATIVE BRANCH TOTAL NUMBER OF MEMBERS HOUSE – 435 SENATE - 100 NUMBER OF MEMBERS FROM EACH STATE HOUSE - Based on the state population. SENATE - Equal number for each state; two per state. QUALIFICATIONS HOUSE - At least 25 years of age, citizen for 7 years, and a resident of state where elected. SENATE - At least 30 years of age, citizen for 9 years, and a resident for the state where elected.

THE LEGISLATIVE BRANCH LENGTH OF ONE TERM IN OFFICE HOUSE - 2 years SENATE - 6 years PRESIDING OFFICERS HOUSE - Speaker of the House; elected by members of the House. SENATE - Vice-President of the U.S.; named President of the Senate. President pro tempore; elected by members of Senate.

THE LEGISLATIVE BRANCH POWERS Pass bills Raise, borrow and coin money Declare war

Saxby Chambliss John Boehner Johnny Isakson

Graphic Organizer US Government Legislative Branch

The Executive Branch The main executive officers are the President and Vice-President. They are assisted by a group of advisors, called the Cabinet, who help in running the federal government. The main duty of the Executive branch is to carry out laws. This means to put laws into action.

The Executive Branch LENGTH OF ONE TERM MAXIMUM NUMBER OF TERMS 4 years MAXIMUM NUMBER OF TERMS No more than two full terms

The Executive Branch QUALIFICATIONS ORDER OF SUCCESSION TO PRESIDENCY: Natural (native) born citizen At least 35 years of age Resident for the U.S for at least 14 years ORDER OF SUCCESSION TO PRESIDENCY: Vice President Speaker of the House President pro tempore of the Senate

The Executive Branch SPECIAL POWERS OF THE PRESIDENT: Commander in chief of the armed forces Grant pardons and reprieves in federal cases Must give State of the Union Address once a year Call special sessions of Congress

Graphic Organizer US Government Executive Branch Legislative Branch

The Judicial branch The main judicial body is the Supreme Court which is the highest court in the land. There are two levels of lower courts, including the District Court and the Courts of Appeals. The main duty of the Judicial branch is to interpret laws. This means to explain what laws mean.

The Judicial branch MAIN COURTS NUMBER OF COURTS Highest: Supreme Court Middle: Courts of Appeals Lowest: District Courts NUMBER OF COURTS Supreme Court: 1 Courts of Appeals: 11 District Courts: 90

The Judicial branch MAIN DUTIES Supreme Court: To decide if laws are constitutional. Courts of Appeals: To rehear cases from lower courts. District Courts: To decide cases involving federal laws.

The Judicial branch THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION APPLIES ONLY TO THE SUPREME COURT: NUMBER OF JUSTICES: Nine PRESIDING OFFICER: Chief Justice TERM OF OFFICE: For life on good behavior. May be removed only through impeachment process. May resign voluntarily.

The Judicial branch APPOINTED BY: APPROVED BY: SPECIAL POWERS: The President APPROVED BY: A majority vote of the Senate. SPECIAL POWERS: To review and reverse decisions of lower courts. To declare laws unconstitutional, or not legal according to the constitution.

Graphic Organizer US Government Executive Branch Legislative Branch Judicial Branch