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Three Branches of the United States Government
The PreambleWe the People of the United States, in
Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic
Tranquility, provide for the common defence, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the
United States of America.
The Preamble Tells the Goals of Government
A. “We The People”1. Based on the authority of the people
B. Goals- Remember the Articles of Confederation…1. To form “A More Perfect Union” – Remember the
Articles of Confederation? What was wrong?2. To “Establish Justice” – There was NO National Court
System3. To “Insure Domestic Tranquility” – peace and order in
the country… Shays’s Rebellion4. To “provide for the common defense” –protecting
Americans from foreign invaders… Why???5. To “promote the general welfare” – an economy and
society where people prosper6. To “secure the blessings of liberty to ourselves and our
Posterity” – freedom now and in the future
Analysis
Knowing what the founders had in mind when they wrote the
Constitution, how well do you think the leaders today follow what they
had set forth in the Preamble.
Use specific examples.
Legislative BranchCongress
Makes LawsHouse of Representatives
435 Members
1. Representatives serve 2 year term
2. A representative must be 25 years old to be elected and a citizen for 7 years
3. Can propose tax laws4. Can impeach the
president
Legislative BranchCongress
Makes LawsSenate
100 Members
1. Senators serve 6 year term2. A Senator must be 30 years old
to be elected and a citizen for 9 years
3. Can approve presidential appointments
4. Ratifies treaties with foreign governments
5. Can try the president after impeachment
Legislative BranchCongress
Makes LawsBoth Together535 Members
1. Can propose laws2. Can declare war3. Can override the president’s veto with a 2/3
vote4. Can propose amendments to the Constitution
with 2/3 vote
1. House/Senate introduces bill and
sends it to a committee
2. House/Senate committee approves the bill
3. House/Senate debates and passes on its form of the bill
4. House and Senate committeescompromise on differences
between 2 versions
5. House and Senate pass revised bill
6. President signs bill into law or vetoes
(needing 2/3 vote byCongress to override)
Executive BranchPresident, Vice President,
CabinetEnforces Laws
1. The president serves a 4 year term
2. The president must be at least 35 years old, a 14 year resident, and native born
3. Has power to approve or veto laws
Executive BranchPresident, Vice President,
CabinetEnforces Laws
4. Makes treaties with foreign governments
5. Nominates judges to the Supreme Court
6. Appoints cabinet members
7. Is Commander-in-Chief of U.S. military forces
Judicial BranchSupreme and Federal Courts
Interprets Laws1. Justices of the Supreme Court
serve for life2. Can declare laws unconstitutional3. Can settle disputes involving the
United States4. Can settle disputes between states5. Chief Justice presides over
impeachment trial of the president6. Can review all laws and treaties
Checks and BalancesChecking the Power of Other Branches
“Checks” allow one branch to block the actions of another branch1. Congress can pass laws2. President can check power by vetoing bill before it becomes law3. Congress can check President’s power with 2/3 vote4. Judicial Branch can also check actions of others
Balancing the Power of Other Branches“Balances” allow each branch of the government to have some role in the actions and power of other branches
1. Judges appointed only if President nominates and Senate approves2. President can sign treaties that take effect if Congress approves3. Supreme Court can declare laws unconstitutional, but President chooses judges and Senate must approve
