UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT

Words to Know Constitution Executive Branch Legislative Branch Judicial Branch President Governor Supreme Court Court of Appeals Juvenile Justice System

The U.S. Constitution Written in 1787, it outlines the plan of

government for the United States of America.

Three different “branches”, of the government were established, Legislative, Executive and Judicial

These three branches have separate roles and responsibilities, but are equal in their importance and power.

The legislative branch The Constitution created

Congress. Congress has two parts: The

Senate and The House of Representatives.

The main duty of the Legislative branch is to make laws.

THE LEGISLATIVE BRANCH TOTAL NUMBER OF MEMBERS

HOUSE – 435 SENATE - 100

NUMBER OF MEMBERS FROM EACH STATE HOUSE - Based on the state population. SENATE - Equal number for each state; two per state.

QUALIFICATIONS HOUSE - At least 25 years of age, citizen for 7 years, and a

resident of state where elected. SENATE - At least 30 years of age, citizen for 9 years, and a

resident for the state where elected.

THE LEGISLATIVE BRANCH LENGTH OF ONE TERM IN OFFICE

HOUSE - 2 years SENATE - 6 years

PRESIDING OFFICERS HOUSE - Speaker of the House; elected by

members of the House.SENATE - Vice-President of the U.S.; named

President of the Senate. President pro tempore; elected by members of Senate.

THE LEGISLATIVE BRANCH POWERS

Pass bills Raise, borrow and coin

money Declare war

John Boehner

Johnny Isakson

Saxby Chambliss

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US Government

Legislative Branch

The Executive Branch The main executive officers are the

President and Vice-President. They are assisted by a group of

advisors, called the Cabinet, who help in running the federal government.

The main duty of the Executive branch is to carry out laws. This means to put laws into action.

The Executive Branch LENGTH OF ONE TERM

4 years

MAXIMUM NUMBER OF TERMSNo more than two full terms

The Executive Branch QUALIFICATIONS

Natural (native) born citizenAt least 35 years of ageResident for the U.S for at least 14 years

ORDER OF SUCCESSION TO PRESIDENCY:Vice PresidentSpeaker of the HousePresident pro tempore of the Senate

The Executive Branch SPECIAL POWERS OF THE

PRESIDENT:Commander in chief of the armed forcesGrant pardons and reprieves in federal

casesMust give State of the Union Address once a

yearCall special sessions of Congress

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US Government

Executive Branch Legislative Branch

The Judicial branch The main judicial body is the Supreme

Court which is the highest court in the land. There are two levels of lower courts,

including the District Court and the Courts of Appeals.

The main duty of the Judicial branch is to interpret laws. This means to explain what laws mean.

The Judicial branch MAIN COURTS

Highest: Supreme CourtMiddle: Courts of AppealsLowest: District Courts

NUMBER OF COURTSSupreme Court: 1Courts of Appeals: 11District Courts: 90

The Judicial branch MAIN DUTIES

Supreme Court: To decide if laws are constitutional.

Courts of Appeals: To rehear cases from lower courts.

District Courts: To decide cases involving federal laws.

The Judicial branch THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION

APPLIES ONLY TO THE SUPREME COURT:NUMBER OF JUSTICES: NinePRESIDING OFFICER: Chief Justice

○ TERM OF OFFICE: For life on good behavior.○ May be removed only through impeachment

process.○ May resign voluntarily.

The Judicial branch APPOINTED BY:

The President APPROVED BY:

A majority vote of the Senate. SPECIAL POWERS:

To review and reverse decisions of lower courts.

To declare laws unconstitutional, or not legal according to the constitution.

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US Government

Executive Branch Legislative Branch Judicial Branch