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Table of Contents Overview What will be learned GPS Standard (SS4H5.c) Branches of Government Essential Questions What are the three branches of government? What are the jobs of each branch? Legislative Judicial Executive How does each branch balance the power of the other two branches? Your Task

Overview You will learn about: The three branches of government The jobs of each branch How each branch balances the power of the other two branches

GPS Standard: SS4H5.c Identify the three branches of the U.S. government as outlined by the Constitution, describe what they do, how they relate to each other (checks and balances and separation of power), and how they relate to the states.

Executive Branch: Job is to make sure the laws are obeyed. Essential Questions: What are the three branches of our government? What are the jobs of each branch? Executive Branch: Job is to make sure the laws are obeyed. Legislative Branch: Job is to make the laws. Judicial Branch: Job is to determine the meaning of the laws. Click on each branch to find out more about the responsibilities of each branch.

The Legislative Branch meets in the Capitol Building Click on each name to find out information about their job. The Legislative Branch meets in the Capitol Building Senate House of Representatives

Judicial Branch Supreme Court Click Supreme Court to find out information about their job. Judicial Branch Supreme Court

The Executive Branch meets in the White House. President Click on each name to find out information about their job. The Vice President is the head of the Senate and is also part of the President ‘s Cabinet. He will step in as President of the United States in the event the President is unable to serve. President Vice President Cabinet

Powers Executive Branch Legislative Judicial Essential Question: How does each branch balance the power of the other two branches? The writers of the U.S. Constitution wanted to create a strong national government, but they wanted to make sure that one group didn’t have too much power. That’s why they separated the government's powers into these three branches. This structure is often called a system of “checks and balances”. Each branch has certain powers to “check” the other branches and make sure that power is balanced among them. The table below shows how the branches use some of their powers to check the other branches. Powers Executive Branch Legislative Judicial Congress passes a law The President signs bills into law or vetoes them Can declare laws unconstitutional President appoints judges to Supreme Court Senate confirms appointment Congress can declare war President carries out the declaration of war Congress can impeach the President Trial of impeachment of President is held in Supreme Court Supreme Court sends criminals to prison President has pardoning power

Your Task: Think about some questions you might have regarding the history or structure of our government. Create a list of ten questions you’d like to ask the future President of the United States. Thanks to http://bensguide.gpo.gov/