2. BRANCHESOFGOVERNMENT

3. Inquiring minds should want to know…  What are the three branches of government?  Why do we need three branches?  Who are the leaders of the three branches of government?  What are the roles of the three branches of government?  How do the branches work together?

4. Why three branches?  Limitation of Powers –  Separation of Powers –  Checks & Balances – Reduce Control Divide Control Share Control

5. Branches of Government Legislative Executive Judicial

6. Senate Senators/2 per state House of Representatives Representatives/based on population Originate a bill, get a majority vote from all of Congress, get the President to approve – bill becomes a law Legislative Branch  Congress  Responsible for making laws

7. Elected and serves for no more than two consecutive 4-year terms, appoints members of the President’s cabinet Commander-in-chief of the armed forces, deals with other countries, veto power Executive Branch  The President  Responsible for enforcing laws

8. Judicial Branch  Supreme Court  Responsible for interpreting the laws Appointed by the President, highest court, there are 9 total members, serve a lifetime term Overrule decisions made by lower courts, determine actions made by the President or Congress unconstitutional

9. Review Branches of Government Legislative Branch Congress makes laws Executive Branch The President enforces laws Judicial Branch The Supreme Court interprets laws

10. Lesson Small Group Activity  Checks & Balances Chart In small groups using notes taken from the presentation, students will complete a chart covering the powers of the branches of government.

11. Lesson Center Activity  Lawmaker Journaling Students will think of a law they feel needs to be added and write a letter to their congressman making their request, being sure to include facts to support their reasons why.

12. Now you tell me… How does our Government work?