Miss Smith 7 th Grade Civics *pgs

 Powers of government were separated into 3 branches to protect the U.S. from tyranny  One branch writes the laws  Another branch carries out the laws  The third branch interprets the laws

 Lawmaking arm of the federal government  Controls the money for the national gov.  U.S. Congress  Senate (2 Senators per state)  House of Representatives (based on each state’s population)  Established in Article I of the Constitution

 Executes the country’s laws  The President is the head  This branch also includes  The Vice Pres.  Dept. of State, Dept. of Treasury, Dept. of Homeland Security, and more!  Established in Article II of the Constitution

 Interprets the meaning of the laws  Sets punishments for people who break the laws  The Supreme Court is the head of this branch  First there were 6 justices, now there are 9  Established in Article III of the Constitution  All courts lower than the Supreme Court are set up by Congress

 System that ensures equal distribution and limits of powers

 Legislative Branch can:  Impeach and remove the president  Override a veto (2/3 of Senate and the House have to agree first)  Controls spending money  Can refuse to confirm presidential appointments  Judicial Branch can:  Declare executive acts unconstitutional  Judges are appointed for life and free from executive control

 Executive Branch can:  Veto acts of Congress  Call special session of Congress  Suggest laws and send messages to Congress  Judicial Branch can:  Declare acts of Congress unconstitutional  This is called Judicial review

 Executive Branch can:  Appoint federal judges  Grant reprieves and pardons for federal crimes  Legislative Branch can:  Impeach and remove federal judges  Refuse to confirm judicial appointments

 Marbury v Madison Explained: US History Review   This case established JUDICIAL REVIEW