The Three Branches of the United States Government CICERO © 2008

Balance of Power A French writer, Montesquieu, wrote the best way to make sure a government would serve the people would be to separate and balance the different branches of that government. After their experiences with King George III, the Founders did not trust government and looked for ways to ensure their new government would promote the common welfare. CICERO © 2008

Legislative Branch (Makes Laws) Article One of the United States Constitution created the legislative branch of government. It is bicameral, or made up of two houses – the House of Representatives (435) and the Senate (100). Representation in the House of Representatives is based on population, and representation in the Senate is equal for all states. Benjamin Franklin first suggested a two-house legislature. Roger Sherman incorporated bicameralism into the Great Compromise. CICERO © 2008

Qualifications for Congress House of Representatives ( elected to two-year terms) Senate (elected to six-year terms) 25 years of age (when seated, not when elected) a citizen of the United States for seven years a resident of the state from which he or she is elected custom, not the Constitution, requires a representative live in the district he or she represents 30 years of age (when seated, not when elected) a citizen of the United States for nine years a resident of the state from which he or she is elected CICERO © 2008

Executive Branch (Enforces Laws) Article Two of the United States Constitution created the executive branch of the government. The chief executive is the President of the United States. The president’s term of office is four years, and president can serve a maximum of two terms. The Electoral College elects the president. Each state’s electors equal its number of representatives and senators). Government agency heads are the president’s Cabinet and advise the president. CICERO © 2008

Qualifications for President (serves a four-year term and can be elected to two terms) Benefits a natural-born citizen of the United States (can be born abroad of parents who are American citizens) 35 years of age a resident of the United States for at least fourteen years (but not necessarily the fourteen years preceding the election) lives in the White House $400,000 per year salary (taxable) $50,000 per year expense account (taxable) $100,000 per year for travel expenses (tax-free) pension equal to a Cabinet member's salary (taxable) a personal jetliner - Air Force One a place in the country - Camp David CICERO © 2008

Judicial Branch (Interprets Laws) It was created by Article Three of the United States Constitution. There are nine justices – one Chief Justice and eight associate justices. The Judiciary Act of 1789 established the Supreme Court and it originally had only five associate justices. The president nominates the justices and Senate confirms them. The Supreme Court determines the constitutionality of laws. (Judicial Review) The Judiciary Act of 1789 also created a system of lower district courts around the country. CICERO © 2008

Qualifications for Justices (Appointed for life) The president nominates Supreme Court justices, court of appeals judges, and district court judges and the Senate confirms them. The Senate Judiciary Committee conducts confirmation hearings for each nominee. The Constitution sets forth no specific requirements. However, members of Congress, who typically recommend potential nominees, and the Department of Justice, which reviews nominees' qualifications, have developed their own informal criteria. CICERO © 2008

The Three Branches and Levels of Government Legislative (Makes Laws) Executive (Enforces Laws) Judicial (Interprets Laws) Federal Congress House of Representatives (435) Senate (100) President Vice President/Cabinet Commander in Chief of armed forces Supreme Court (9) one Chief Justice eight Associate Justices District Courts (13) State New York Legislature General Assembly (80) Senate (40) Governor Cabinet (22) Supreme Court (7) six Associate Justices Local Wyoming County Warsaw City Council (5) Mayor Deputy Mayor Police Municipal Court Municipal Court Judge