DEMOCRATIC PROCESSES Branches of Government Political Activity in America Monarchy, Democracy, and Dictatorship

Branches of Government Executive Branch Legislative Branch Judicial Branch

Executive Branch Enforces the Laws

Legislative Branch Makes the Laws

Judicial Branch Interprets the Laws

Executive Branch Activities propose legislation veto legislation call special legislative sessions appoint federal judges recommend appointments coordinate work of agencies – (FBI or Post Office)

Legislative Branch Activities write proposed legislation, pass legislation hold committee hearings override a presidential veto confirm executive appointments impeach or remove judges or the President propose Constitutional amendments to overrule judicial decisions

Judicial Branch Activities declare legislation or executive actions and laws unconstitutional conduct trials sentence convicted persons

Political Activity in America representative democracy people are the power and the source of our government’s authority government officials are elected by the people powers of government are defined in the Constitution and by the Amendments Bill of Rights (first 10 Amendments to the Constitution)

Monarchy single leader (king or queen) right to rule is inherited

Democracy government is run by the people, either directly or through elected representatives decision-making is often slow in a representative democracy both the government and the people follow the law

Dictatorship one person or a small group of persons has complete power over the government possible to make quick decisions in times of crisis average citizen has no say in government rights and freedoms are not guaranteed power is often gained through force or through an election without any real choices government itself often ignores the law

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