The Three Branches of Government Interactive PowerPoint By: Alexia Judge ED 205, Section 16 Quit

There are three branches of government and offices within the branches. Executive – President President – President as… President as… – Vice President Vice President Legislative – Congress Congress – House of Representatives vs. The Senate House of Representatives vs. The Senate Judicial – Supreme Court Supreme Court Resource Page Go to Ben’s Guide to the Three Branches of Government. Click here to see a video on the different branches. Quit

Executive Branch Made up of the President, Vice President, and the Cabinet This branch ensures that everyone in the country obeys the laws Located in the White House Quit

President Of the United States Head of the executive branch. Approve or disapprove of laws that congress creates. He can NOT write bills though. Can Veto bills (check on the legislative branch) Quit

President As… 1. Legislative Leader=has a close relationship with Congress in 2 ways a. Can propose ideas for laws b. Can veto bills 2. Judicial Leader= appoints justices to the Supreme Court (with approval from the Senate) -Granting pardons= get rid of someone’s current sentence or take it off their record -Commute sentencing= shorten a prisoner’s jail time -Grant reprieves =delay someone from going to jail 3. Commander-in-chief= the official head of the military who DOESN’T FIGHT but that makes military decisions in war 4. Chief Diplomat=meets with leaders of other countries and signs treaties with them 5. Party Leader= the official head of his political party 6. Head of State= the symbolic leader of the country Ex: When people think of America, they think of Obama and his messages of Hope and Change

Vice President Becomes president if the real president can no longer work. President of Senate: only votes in event of a tie. Aids the president in decisions when he needs help. Quit

Legislative Branch Made up of Congress (Congress=Senate + House of Representatives) They have the power to make laws. Quit

Powers of Congress 1. Can impeach the President if he does something wrong (HoR) 2. Can convict the President after he has been impeached (Senate) 3. Can approve the President’s appointments (recommendations) to the Supreme Court 4. Can ratify treaties that the President signs with other countries 5. Can override the President’s veto (rejection) of laws Quit

The Senate vs. The House of Representatives House: 435 (based on population) – 2 year terms (unlimited) – More impersonal Senate:100 (2 per state) – 6 year terms (unlimited) – A more unified body Quit

Judicial Branch This branch makes up the court system with the Supreme Court being the highest court in the land. Courts decide arguments about the meanings of laws, how they are applied, and whether they break the rules of the Constitution (if they are constitutional) Quit

The Supreme Court Highest court in the United States. Hears cases that have made their way through the court system, but only cases are heard. Their decisions can only be changed by another supreme court decision or by amending the Constitution. Made up of 9 members, one being the chief justice. They are appointed by the president (confirmed by Congress) and serve for life. Quit

Resource Page Quit