1. The United States Government

2. Separation of Powers
The Framers of the Constitution based their new government on the ideas of Baron de Montesquieau, who proposed a “separation of powers”.
In this system, the government was to be divided into three branches of government, each branch having particular powers.
Not only does each branch of the government have particular powers, each branch has certain powers over the other branches.
This is done to keep them balanced and to prevent one branch form ever gaining too much power.

4. The Legislative Branch
Makes all federal laws
Senate must approve treaties and all important presidential appointments
May propose amendments to the Constitution
Can declare war
Conducts investigations and reviews government actions
HOR and Senate appointed.
TERMS: HOR, 2yrs, Senators, 6yrs.
Can impeach the president

5. The Executive Branch Makes sure all federal laws are enforced
Proposes new laws to Congress
Can veto bills passed by Congress
Commands the Armed Forces
Appoints Supreme Ct. Justices and other top officials
TERMS: Serves for 4yrs, can only serve 2 terms.
Electoral college
Negotiates and makes treaties with other people, countries.

6. The Judicial Branch
Acts as the final appeals court – upholds or overthrows verdicts of lower cts.
Consists of 9 Supreme Court Justices
Interprets the Constitution, Federal laws, Treaties and other arguments
Decides whether laws or executive actions are constitutional.
TERMS: Appointed for “good behavior” life.

8. 3 Branches of Government Game

9. Makes the laws
Negotiates treaties with other countries
Can ratify treaties
Can impeach the President
Can veto laws
Can declare laws unconstitutional
Recommends appointments to the federal court

10. Declares actions of the President unconstitutional
Can declare war
Serves as Commander of all Armed Forces
May increase or decrease taxes
Confirms Presidential appointments
Propose amendments to the Constitution
Serve for life

12. How A Bill Becomes a Law
How A Bill Becomes a Law