1. A System of Checks and Balances
Our Government
A System of Checks and Balances

2. Our Government
The Executive Branch includes the President, Vice President, Departments, and Agencies.
The Legislative Branch includes the Senate and the House of Representatives.
The Judicial Branch includes the Supreme Court.

3. The Executive Branch
The President is the leader of the country and the Commander-in-Chief of the military.
The Vice President is the President of the Senate and becomes President if the President can no longer do his job.
The Departments advise the President on issues and help carry out policies.
The Independent Agencies carry out policies or provide special services to the people.

4. The Legislative Branch
The U.S. Congress is made up of two parts; the House of Representatives and the Senate.
The primary duty of the Congress is to write, debate, and pass bills, which are then passed on to the President for approval.
Other Powers of Congress include making laws about trade, taxes, money and war.

5. The Judicial Branch
The Judicial Branch includes the federal court system with the Supreme Court as the highest court.
Once the Supreme Court makes a decision, it can only be changed by another Supreme Court decision or by amending the Constitution.
The Supreme Court is made up of nine justices appointed by the President and approved by the Senate.