The United States National Government

by Elizabeth Crockett

Foundation of Federal Government

Constitution designates three branches to make up the government so that one person does not have too much authority.

President

Executive

House of Representatives Senate

Congress

Legislative

Supreme Court

Judicial

Constitution

Executive Branch

President heads the executive branch.

• Must be at least thirty-five years old• Must be born in the United States• Has lived in the United States for the past

fourteen years• Serves a four year term• Can be serve for two termsTo find out more go to: http://www.whitehouse.gov

Current President Of United States

http://gatech.edu/presidential-visit/clip03.html

George W. Bush is the 43rd President of the United States and is our current president.

Clip on the hyperlink to see him give a speech.

Legislative Branch

U.S. Congress is made up of two parts:The House of Representatives, The Senate

Duties Include:• To write, debate, and pass bills• Approve the making of money• Declare war on other countries

Judicial Branch

Supreme Court is the highest Court in the land.

• Nine judges, called justices• Hear from 80 to 100 cases per year• Decide on cases that challenge the

Constitution• Are appointed for life by the president

and approved by the Senate.

The People’s Role

• Vote- any citizen of the U.S. who is over 18 can vote

• Write letters to your representative or Senator to express your views

• Practice rights: such as freedom of speech, religion, and the right to have arms

Vote for Something!