1. The constitution established three branches of government to ensure that no branch become more powerful than any other.

2. Legislative Branch
Known as: Congress: House of Representatives & Senate
Location: Capital Building in Washington, D.C.
Duty/Job: Writing, debating (discuss and argue), & passing bills; Has power to declare war
Executive Checks by: President has to sign bills for them to become laws; President can veto (refuse to okay) bills
Judicial Checks by: Supreme Court makes sure that the laws are in agreement with the Constitution
Legislative Check by: Not applicable (n/a)

3. Executive Branch
Known as: President, Vice-President, President's Cabinet (advisors)
Location: White House in Washington, D.C.
Duty/Job: Enforce or carry out laws; suggest laws to legislative branch; appoints judges to Supreme Court; Commander-in-Chief of U.S. Armed Forces (military)
Executive Checks by: Not applicable (n/a)
Judicial Checks by: Congress approves judges that President appoints; Congress can impeach president
Legislative Check by: Legislature can override President's veto with a 2/3 vote

4. Judicial Branch
Known as: Supreme Court, Nine judges that serve for life, & Federal district courts
Location: Supreme Courthouse is Washington, D.C.
Duty/Job: Judges whether or not the laws are being carried out fairly and if they obey the Constitution
Executive Checks by: Appoints judges
Judicial Checks by: Not applicable (n/a)
Legislative Check by: Congress can impeach (remove) judges

5. Three Branches of Government – Video Clips
Click on each picture to watch a short video clip about each Branch of Government

6. GAME: www.trumanlibrary.org Now test your knowledge playing:
The Three Branches of Government Game