Introduction to the three branches of government

Why three? The Constitution designed to prevent any person, or part of govt., from taking too much power Created three separate branches of govt. and distributed power among them equally What are our three branches of govt.?

Legislative Branch Lawmaking branch of govt. Made up of two houses Senate House of Representatives More emphasis placed on Congress by the Constitution than other branches Workings described in greater detail Other branches depend on money from Congress

Executive Branch Responsible for executing (carrying out) the country’s laws Headed by the president Also includes vice president and others who help president enforce the laws Cabinet members, White House staff, etc.

Judicial Branch Federal court system Interprets laws, punish lawbreakers Supreme Court is head of the Judicial Branch Supreme Court interprets the meaning of the Constitution Congress can establish lower courts to help carry out the work of the judicial branch

A System of Checks & Balances Each branch has powers that check (limit) the powers of the other two branches Each branch has its OWN powers which the other two cannot take or act on In this way, the powers of govt. are equally distributed among the three branches

A System of Checks & Balances How does it work? Congress makes laws President can veto (turn down)  Congress can override veto with two-thirds vote from both houses Congress makes laws  President signs into law  Supreme Court can rule if law is constitutional or unconstitutional Many other examples we will cover in class later…

? Why do we need three branches of govt.? What does the Legislative Branch do? What does the Executive Branch do? What does the Judicial Branch do? Explain the system of checks and balances in our govt.