The 3 Branches of Government

Legislative Branch  The Law-making part of the government called legislature  To legislate is to make a law.  Members of this branch:  Bicameral legislature: Congress  House of Representatives  Senate

United States Congress

Executive Branch  The branch of government that “executes” the laws.  To “execute” means to carry out the laws. Members of this branch: 1. The President 2. The President’s cabinet and advisors

Judicial Branch  The part of government that interprets the laws  Members of this branch:  Supreme Court  Lower Federal Courts  District Courts: Courts involving federal laws  Appellate Courts: Courts that review cases

Supreme Court Justices There are 9 Supreme Court Justices

Powers of each Branch  Each branch of government has its own unique powers  In addition, each branch of government checks the other branches to ensure that no one abuses this power  That way, our government is as fair as possible, or balanced.

Powers of Legislative Branch  Congress has the power to…  Write bills and vote if they should become laws  Decide how to spend tax money  Raise an army/navy  Declare war  Pay government debts  Legislative print more money  Impeach the president

Powers of Executive Branch  The executive branch has the power to…  President = Commander in Chief of US military  Make treaties with other nations  Nominate ambassadors and Supreme court justices (judges)  Grant pardons to people that violate federal law

Powers of Judicial Branch  The Judicial Branch has the power to…  Decide if laws agree with US Constitution  Hear cases involving a state or foreign ambassador  Review cases from lower courts  Judicial Review: Power to decide whether laws and actions by legislative and executive branch conflict with the constitution

Federalism Powers of the National Government Powers Shared by the State and National Governments Powers of the State Governments declare and engage in war print and coin money maintain an army, navy, and air force regulate interstate and foreign commerce set rules for immigration negotiate treaties with foreign countries punish lawbreakers levy and collect taxes protect the rights of citizens set traffic standards provide for public safety conduct elections govern marriage laws establish and maintain schools maintain the state militia (also known as the National Guard)