The 3 Branches of Government

Legislative Branch

The Law-making part of the government called legislature To legislate is to make a law.

Members of this branch: Bicameral legislature: Congress

House of Representatives Senate

United States Congress

Executive Branch

The branch of government that “executes” the laws. To “execute” means to carry out the laws.

Members of this branch: 1. The President2. The President’s cabinet and advisors

Judicial Branch

The part of government that interprets the laws

Members of this branch: Supreme Court Lower Federal Courts

District Courts: Courts involving federal laws

Appellate Courts: Courts that review cases

Supreme Court Justices

There are 9 Supreme Court Justices

Powers of each Branch

Each branch of government has its own unique powers

In addition, each branch of government checks the other branches to ensure that no one abuses this power That way, our government is as fair as possible, or

balanced.

Powers of Legislative Branch

Congress has the power to… Write bills and vote if they should become laws Decide how to spend tax money Raise an army/navy Declare war Pay government debts Legislative print more money Impeach the president

Powers of Executive Branch

The executive branch has the power to… President = Commander in Chief of US military Make treaties with other nations Nominate ambassadors and Supreme court justices

(judges) Grant pardons to people that violate federal law

Powers of Judicial Branch

The Judicial Branch has the power to… Decide if laws agree with US Constitution Hear cases involving a state or foreign ambassador Review cases from lower courts

Judicial Review: Power to decide whether laws and actions by legislative and executive branch conflict with the constitution

Federalism

Powers of the National Government

Powers Shared by the State and National

Governments

Powers of the State Governments

declare and engage in war

print and coin money

maintain an army, navy, and air force

regulate interstate and foreign commerce

set rules for immigration

negotiate treaties with foreign countries

punish lawbreakers

levy and collect taxes

protect the rights of citizens

set traffic standards

provide for public safety

conduct elections

govern marriage laws

establish and maintain schools

maintain the state militia (also known as the

National Guard)