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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Do you want to know more? Check out these sites: Ben’s Guide to Government: http://bensguide.gpo.gov/ Congress for Kids: http://www.congressforkids.net/Constitution_threebranches.htm

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?

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