1. 3.1 Three branches of Government
The U.S. Constitution
3.1 Three branches of Government

2. The U.S. Constitution
The Constitution is designed to prevent any person or part of Government from becoming too powerful
Therefore the powers are divided into three separate branches

3. Three branches of Government

4. 1. Legislative Branch Law making branch of government
Bicameral-Has 2 houses
1. House of Representatives
2. Senate

5. 2. Executive Branch Executes or carries out the law
Headed by the president
Also includes the vice president and the president’s cabinet

6. 3. Judicial Branch Interprets Laws including the Constitution
Federal court System
Supreme Court is the Head

7. Checks and Balances
Each Branch can check or limit the powers of the others

8. Legislative Powers and Checks
Legislative Powers Checks on Powers
-Pass Laws President can veto laws
-Override President’s Veto with - Supreme Court can rule a law
two thirds vote in each house unconstitutional
-Approves judges

9. Executive Powers and Checks
Executive Powers Checks on Power
- Approves or vetoes laws - Veto can be overridden
- Carries out the laws - Can be impeached or
- Appoints Judges removed from office
-Senate must approve judges

10. Judicial Powers and Checks
Judicial Powers Judicial Checks
-Interprets the law -Congress can amend the Constitution
-Can rule that a law or -Senate can refuse appointments
executive order is to the courts
unconstitutional -Congress can impeach and remove a judge

11. Essay 3.1
List the three branches of government and explain the primary function of each. Secondly, explain what checks and balances are and why they are important. Finally, detail how one branch of government checks the other two and how it is limited by those branches.