2. The Executive Branch (President) Controls the military, appoints and nominates judges and diplomats, heads the government. Can veto bills, but Congress can override the veto. But… Congress can impeach the President.

3. Legislative Branch (Congress) Only Congress can write a bill, impose taxes or declare war. The House and the Senate have to agree before sending the bill to the President. But… the president can veto it.

4. Legislative Branch (Congress) The House has 435 members. The number of House members each state gets is based on the state’s population. Big states have more power here. Each state gets 2 Senators. Every state is equal.

5. The Judicial Branch (Supreme Court) The Supreme Court can throw out any law that it decides is unconstitutional. Its members serve for life. But… the President picks its members and the Senate then votes to approve or reject them.

6. The 3 Branches of Government

7. It’s all about BALANCE “Power corrupts. Absolute power corrupts absolutely.” Our system has lasted since 1789 because no one branch can take too much power for itself.