1. Articles I-III of the Constitution
THE THREE BRANCHES OF GOVERNMENT

2. Article I- Legislative
The Legislative branch of the government the laws.
Our Legislative branch is divided into two “houses”:
House of Representatives
Senate
Together, these two “houses” are known as CONGRESS

3. House of Representatives
The number of representatives from each states is based on the state’s population
Representatives serve 2 year terms
The House of Representative has the power to IMPEACH (charge with crimes) federal officials
The leader of the House of Representatives is called the “Speaker of the House”
The Speaker of the House is selected by the majority party in the House of Representatives
The Speaker appoints the heads of all of the House committees

5. Senate 2 Senators per state Senators serve 6 year terms
1/3 of the Senate is elected every 2 years
The Senate serves as the jury when the President has been IMPEACHED (charged with a crime)
The leader of the Senate is called the “President of the Senate”
The Vice President always serves as the President of the Senate
The President of the Senate only votes if there is a tie

6. Article II- Executive
The Executive branch of the government the laws.

7. Progression of Power in the Executive Branch
President
Can serve two 4-year terms
Elected through the Electoral College
Vice President
Elected with the President
Cabinet
An advisory group
15 members, made up of the heads of each of the executive departments
Appointed by the President, approved by the Senate

8. Article III- Judicial
The Judicial branch of the government the laws.

9. The Judicial Branch Supreme Court
Members (JUSTICES) are appointed for life
Appointed by the President, approved by the Senate
Currently, there are 9 Supreme Court Justices
The Constitution give Congress the ability to make new courts in the Judicial Branch below the Supreme Court

10. Separation of Powers
 The system of dividing powers and duties of a government into different branches.
Checks and Balances
 Limits imposed on all branches of government by giving each the right to amend acts of the other branches