1. The Three Branches of Government

2. There are 3 Branches of Government
Over 200 years ago, our Founding Fathers wrote the Constitution. The Constitution is a basic design for how our government should work. The Constitution divides the government into the following three branches: the legislative, executive, and judicial branches.

3. The 3 Branches of the National Government
                                                                                   

4. State Governments
Each state has its own constitution based on its unique history, needs, philosophy, and geography.
Just like that of the national government, each state's constitution separates power between three branches -- legislative, judicial, and executive.

5. National Government: The Legislative Branch: Article 1
The legislative branch makes laws for the nation.
They can override a veto of the president.
They can impeach the president or judges.
The must approve cabinet appointments.
They begin the amendment process.

6. Who is in the National Legislative Branch?
The House of Representatives:
Called the “Lower House”
The number elected is determined by the population of
each state.
435 total
The Senate:
Called the “Upper House”
Made up of 100 members
Two members from each state

7. North Carolina Government: The Legislative Branch
Headed by the General Assembly, which makes state laws.
The General Assembly is made up of two parts.
The House of Representatives consists of 120 members who serve a term of two years.
The Senate consists of 50 members who serve a term of two years. The Lieutenant Governor is President of the Senate and presides over the daily session.

8. Our National Government: The Executive Branch: Article 2
The Executive Branch can approve laws.
He/ she can veto bills
He can appoint judges and ambassadors.
He can call extra sessions of congress.
He can enter into treaties with other nations.
He can pardon offences
He is Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces.

9. Who is in the National Executive Branch?
The President: He is elected to a four year term.
He can serve no more than two terms or 10 years.

10. National vs. NC Government: The Executive Branch
North Carolina’s Executive Branch is headed by the Governor, who carries out and enforces laws made by the General Assembly.
Governor
Roy Cooper
President Donald Trump
Vice President Mike Pence
Lt. Governor
Dan Forest

11. North Carolina Government: The Executive Branch
The governor, lieutenant governor, and eight of the department heads are elected for four-year terms. The remaining ten department heads are appointed by the governor..

12. National Government: The Judicial Branch: Article 3
When people are unsure about the meaning of a law, the judicial
branch listens to many opinions and makes a decision.
Interprets the laws.
Can declare laws unconstitutional.
Can prevent executive action with an injunction.

13. Who is in the National Judicial Branch?
The judicial branch is made up of courts and judges.
The Supreme Court is made up of 9 justices.
They serve for life once appointed by the president.

14. North Carolina Government: The Judicial Branch
The Supreme Court of North Carolina is the state's highest court, and there is no further appeal in the state from their decisions.
This court has a chief justice and six associate justices who sit together as a panel in Raleigh.
The Supreme Court has no jury, and it makes no determination of fact; rather, it considers error in legal procedures or in judicial interpretation of the law.

15. NC Supreme court Justice Sam Ervin, IV (6) Justice Barbara Jackson (4)
Michael
Morgan
(7)
Justice
Paul
Newby (2)
Justice
Robin
Hudson (3)
Justice
Cheri
Beasley (5)
Chief Justice
Mark Martin (1)