The Three Branches of Government

Three Branches The Constitution of the United States established a federal system of government. It is based on power shared between the national and state governments. The Constitution of the United States established a federal system of government. It is based on power shared between the national and state governments. Madison’s Virginia Plan kept any one branch from having too much power. Madison’s Virginia Plan kept any one branch from having too much power. In order for the Constitution to be ratified, nine of the thirteen states had to vote in favor of it. In order for the Constitution to be ratified, nine of the thirteen states had to vote in favor of it.

How Checks and Balances Work A system of checks and balances keeps any one branch from having too much power. A system of checks and balances keeps any one branch from having too much power. The President can veto a law the Legislative branch makes. The President can veto a law the Legislative branch makes. With a 2/3 of congress, the Legislative branch can override the President’s veto. With a 2/3 of congress, the Legislative branch can override the President’s veto.

The Supreme Court judges decide if laws made by the Legislative branch agree with the Constitution. The Supreme Court judges decide if laws made by the Legislative branch agree with the Constitution. Congress votes to approve or reject Supreme Court Judges. Congress votes to approve or reject Supreme Court Judges. The President picks the Judges for the Supreme Court. The President picks the Judges for the Supreme Court. The Supreme Court Judges decide if the President is acting within the Constitution. The Supreme Court Judges decide if the President is acting within the Constitution.

Executive Branch Carries out the laws Carries out the laws Includes the President, Vice President, and Cabinet Includes the President, Vice President, and Cabinet

Legislative Branch Makes the laws Includes two separate houses called Congress which has the House of Representatives (based on population) and Senate (2 from each state)

Judicial Branch Determines if the laws are constitutional Includes the Supreme Court

Let’s practice! Branches of Government: Branches of Government: esofgovernment/ esofgovernment/ esofgovernment/ esofgovernment/