U.S Government Three Branches Three Branches of Government

Founding Fathers

 The Founding Fathers, the framers of the Constitution, wanted to form a government that did not allow one person to have too much authority or control. While under the rule of the British king they learned that this could be a bad system. They wanted a strong centralized government Founding FathersConstitutionFounding FathersConstitution  The Constitution provided for a separation of powers, or three separate branches of government. separation of powersseparation of powers *Each has its own responsibilities *Each has its own responsibilities * Work together to make the country run smoothly * Work together to make the country run smoothly * protect the rights of citizens * protect the rights of citizens  The three branches of the U.S. Government are the Legislative, Executive, Judicial Legislative, Executive, Judicial

* Three branches of government * A "check and balance" system in the Constitution. * * * Designed so no one branch of our government could become too powerful.

Headed by Congress House of Representatives Senate Main jobs: Make the laws. Originating spending bills (House) Impeaching officials (Senate) Approving treaties (Senate). Legislative Branch

Congress

U.S. Capitol Building Home of Senate House of Rep.

Representation is based on the number of people living in each state. There are a total of 435 Representatives in the House. Each member represents an area of the state, known as a Congressional District. The number of representatives is based on the number of districts in a state.. Each state has at least one congressional district and therefore one representative in the House. There are six states with just one representative per state. They are Alaska, Delaware, North Dakota, South Dakota, Vermont, and Wyoming. California has the most representatives, a total of 53. The House of Representatives

So You want to be a Representative  To be a Representative a person must be at least 25 years old  a U.S. citizen for at least 7 years  inhabitant of that state in which he shall be chosen.

The Legislative Branch: The Senate

Senate  Voters elect two senators from each state, regardless of population size. 100 Senators  There is equal representation from each state in the Senate.  Senators are elected every 6 years. time.  Only the Senate can approve or reject treaties and presidential nominations for government offices.  To be a Senator at least 30 years old a U.S. citizen for at least 9 years, a U.S. citizen for at least 9 years, and have fulfilled the requirements for residency in the state that person wishes to represent. and have fulfilled the requirements for residency in the state that person wishes to represent.

So You Want To Be A Senator  at least 30 years old  a U.S. citizen for at least 9 years  Meet the requirements for residency

Executive Branch: Headed by the president. Carries out federal laws a Recommends new laws Directs national defense and foreign policy Performs ceremonial duties. Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces Acting as chief law enforcement officer, and vetoing laws. Executive Branch

White House Home of the President

So You Want to be President natural-born citizen of the United States 35 years of age resided in the United States for 14 years Elected for a 4 year term

The Executive Branch: The President's Cabinet The modern Cabinet has fourteen heads of departments, as well as a number of other important officials. Secretaries of Agriculture, Labor, Health and Human Services, Housing and Urban Development, Transportation, Energy, Education, and Homeland Security are among some of the other Cabinet members.

 Senate and the House approve a bill,  Sent to the President.  If he agrees with the law, he signs it and the law goes into effect.  If the President does not like a bill, he can refuse to sign it. When he does this, it is called a veto. veto  If the President vetoes a bill, it will most likely never become a law.  Congress can override a veto, but to do so two-thirds of the Members of Congress must vote against the President.

Judicial Branch: Headed by the Supreme Court. Powers include: Interpreting the Constitution reviewing laws deciding cases involving state’s right Judicial Branch

The Supreme Court is the highest court in the land. Chief Justice, or head judge Eight associate justices. Appointed by the president and approved by a vote of the Senate. Serve for life unless they choose to retire. Their job is to interpret laws passed by Congress.

The Supreme Court heads the judicial branch of the United States  Court established by the Constitution.  Decisions made by the Supreme Court are usually of national importance.  "Equal Justice under Law" is the motto of the Supreme Court.  The wording of the Constitution is complex, so it must be studied and examined carefully.  Supreme Court is responsible for explaining and interpreting the Constitution.

Three Branches of Goverment