1. The Three Branches of Government
Picture courtesy of

2. Introduction U.S. Constitution divides powers among three branches
“Separation of Powers”
Why was this done?

3. Separation of Powers Limits government powers
Prevents any one branch from having too much power

4. Three Branches of Government
Legislative Branch
Executive Branch
Judicial Branch
What does each branch do?

5. Three Branches of Government
Legislative Branch – makes the nation’s laws
Executive Branch – carries out the laws
Judicial Branch – interprets the laws

7. Legislative Branch Article 1 of the Constitution
Congress – law-making branch
Two houses
Senate
House of Representatives

8. Picture courtesy of en.wikipedia.org

9. Executive Branch Article 2 of the Constitution
Executes, or carries out, nation’s laws
President, Vice President, appointees & advisors

10. Photo courtesy of www.john-daly.com

11. Judicial Branch Article 3 of the Constitution
U.S. Supreme Court & federal court system
Interprets laws
Punishes law-breakers
Determines if laws are constitutional

12. Photo courtesy of web.utk.edu

13. Checks & Balances Each branch has its own powers
Yet, no branch can become too powerful
How does the Constitution balance the powers?

14. Checks & Balances
Each branch has powers to check, or limit, the powers of the other 2 branches

15. How does this work? Congress has power to make laws
President has power to veto, or turn down, proposed laws
President can check power of Congress

16. Can Congress check the President’s power?
Congress can override, or pass a law over President’s veto
2/3 majority vote in both houses needed

17. Is the Supreme Court involved in law-making?
Supreme Court can check the powers of Congress and the President
Interprets laws
Determines if laws are constitutional

18. Do you want to know more? Check out these sites:
Ben’s Guide to Government:
Congress for Kids:

19. Review What are the three branches of government?
What are the primary responsibilities of each?
Why does the U.S. Constitution provide for a separation of powers?
How does the system of checks and balances work?

20. Photo courtesy of www.usconstitution.com