1. United States government

2. Words to Know Constitution Executive Branch Legislative Branch
Judicial Branch
President
Governor
Supreme Court
Court of Appeals
Juvenile Justice System

3. The U.S. Constitution
Written in 1787, it outlines the plan of government for the United States of America.
Three different “branches”, of the government were established, Legislative, Executive and Judicial
These three branches have separate roles and responsibilities, but are equal in their importance and power.

4. The legislative branch
The Constitution created Congress.
Congress has two parts: The Senate and The House of Representatives.
The main duty of the Legislative branch is to make laws.

5. THE LEGISLATIVE BRANCH
TOTAL NUMBER OF MEMBERS
HOUSE – 435
SENATE - 100
NUMBER OF MEMBERS FROM EACH STATE
HOUSE - Based on the state population.
SENATE - Equal number for each state; two per state.
QUALIFICATIONS
HOUSE - At least 25 years of age, citizen for 7 years, and a resident of state where elected.
SENATE - At least 30 years of age, citizen for 9 years, and a resident for the state where elected.

7. THE LEGISLATIVE BRANCH
LENGTH OF ONE TERM IN OFFICE
HOUSE - 2 years
SENATE - 6 years
PRESIDING OFFICERS
HOUSE - Speaker of the House; elected by members of the House.
SENATE - Vice-President of the U.S.; named President of the Senate. President pro tempore; elected by members of Senate.

8. THE LEGISLATIVE BRANCH
POWERS
Pass bills
Raise, borrow and coin money
Declare war

9. Saxby Chambliss
John Boehner
Johnny Isakson

10. Graphic Organizer
US Government
Legislative Branch

11. The Executive Branch
The main executive officers are the President and Vice-President.
They are assisted by a group of advisors, called the Cabinet, who help in running the federal government.
The main duty of the Executive branch is to carry out laws. This means to put laws into action.

12. The Executive Branch LENGTH OF ONE TERM MAXIMUM NUMBER OF TERMS
4 years
MAXIMUM NUMBER OF TERMS
No more than two full terms

13. The Executive Branch QUALIFICATIONS ORDER OF SUCCESSION TO PRESIDENCY:
Natural (native) born citizen
At least 35 years of age
Resident for the U.S for at least 14 years
ORDER OF SUCCESSION TO PRESIDENCY:
Vice President
Speaker of the House
President pro tempore of the Senate

14. The Executive Branch SPECIAL POWERS OF THE PRESIDENT:
Commander in chief of the armed forces
Grant pardons and reprieves in federal cases
Must give State of the Union Address once a year
Call special sessions of Congress

15. Graphic Organizer
US Government
Executive Branch
Legislative Branch

16. The Judicial branch
The main judicial body is the Supreme Court which is the highest court in the land.
There are two levels of lower courts, including the District Court and the Courts of Appeals.
The main duty of the Judicial branch is to interpret laws.
This means to explain what laws mean.

18. The Judicial branch MAIN COURTS NUMBER OF COURTS
Highest: Supreme Court
Middle: Courts of Appeals
Lowest: District Courts
NUMBER OF COURTS
Supreme Court: 1
Courts of Appeals: 11
District Courts:

19. The Judicial branch MAIN DUTIES
Supreme Court: To decide if laws are constitutional.
Courts of Appeals: To rehear cases from lower courts.
District Courts: To decide cases involving federal laws.

20. The Judicial branch
THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION APPLIES ONLY TO THE SUPREME COURT:
NUMBER OF JUSTICES: Nine
PRESIDING OFFICER: Chief Justice
TERM OF OFFICE: For life on good behavior.
May be removed only through impeachment process.
May resign voluntarily.

21. The Judicial branch APPOINTED BY: APPROVED BY: SPECIAL POWERS:
The President
APPROVED BY:
A majority vote of the Senate.
SPECIAL POWERS:
To review and reverse decisions of lower courts.
To declare laws unconstitutional, or not legal according to the constitution.

22. Graphic Organizer US Government Executive Branch Legislative Branch
Judicial Branch