1. BellRinger Under the Articles of Confederation, we had one branch of government, the legislative branch. Why didn’t one branch of government work?

2. The Three Branches of Government

3. Legislative Branch House of Representative Serve a 2 year term 435 members 25 years old Live in congressional district 7 year resident Senate Serve a 6 year term 100 members (2 per state) 30 years old Live in state 9 year resident

4. Legislative Branch- Functions Write bills (make laws) Impeach and try government officials Override presidential veto Appropriate money Approve president appointments Ratify treaties Establish lower courts Establish post offices Coin money Regulate trade (commerce) Declare war

5. Executive Branch President Serve a 4 year term 2 term limit (changed after F.D. Roosevelt with the 22 nd amendment) 35 years old Native born citizen Live in the U.S. the last 14 years Other Members include: Vice-President Requirements are the same as president Cabinet Formal group of advisors to the president

6. Executive Branch- Functions Enforce or carry out the laws Call special sessions of Congress Sign bills into laws Commander in chief of the military Chief of foreign affairs Appoint judges Makes or negotiates treaties

7. Judicial Branch Supreme Court No requirements Serve a life term with good behavior 9 members (includes one Chief justice) Other Federal Courts

8. Judicial Branch-Functions Interpret laws Interpret the Constitution