1. Separation of Powers: 3 Branches of Government

2. Executive Branch President, Vice-President, many departments
Carries out or executes laws
President is commander-in-chief of the armed forces
Maintains relationships with other countries (foreign affairs) and negotiates treaties

3. Legislative Branch Congress: House of Representatives and Senate
Makes laws and controls spending of money
Ratifies (approves) treaties and the President’s choices for many offices including judges
Declares war

4. Judicial Branch The Supreme Court: 9 justices (judges) Interprets laws
Decides if laws fit the rules of the Constitution or if they are unconstitutional
Also settles disputes/conflicts between states

5. Checks and Balances

6. Checks and Balances Executive Branch can Legislative Branch can
Appoint judges
Veto laws passed by Congress
Legislative Branch can
Override a veto
Impeach the President or judges (and remove them from office)
Reject appointment of judges
Reject treaties with other countries
Judicial Branch can
Declare laws unconstitutional
Declare acts of the President unconstitutional