1. Introduction to the three branches of government

2. Why three?
The Constitution designed to prevent any person, or part of govt., from taking too much power
Created three separate branches of govt. and distributed power among them equally
What are our three branches of govt.?

3. Legislative Branch Lawmaking branch of govt. Made up of two houses
Senate
House of Representatives
More emphasis placed on Congress by the Constitution than other branches
Workings described in greater detail
Other branches depend on money from Congress

4. Executive Branch
Responsible for executing (carrying out) the country’s laws
Headed by the president
Also includes vice president and others who help president enforce the laws
Cabinet members, White House staff, etc.

5. Judicial Branch Federal court system
Interprets laws, punish lawbreakers
Supreme Court is head of the Judicial Branch
Supreme Court interprets the meaning of the Constitution
Congress can establish lower courts to help carry out the work of the judicial branch

6. A System of Checks & Balances
Each branch has powers that check (limit) the powers of the other two branches
Each branch has its OWN powers which the other two cannot take or act on
In this way, the powers of govt. are equally distributed among the three branches

7. A System of Checks & Balances
How does it work?
Congress makes laws President can veto (turn down)  Congress can override veto with two-thirds vote from both houses
Congress makes laws  President signs into law  Supreme Court can rule if law is constitutional or unconstitutional
Many other examples we will cover in class later…

8. ? Why do we need three branches of govt.?
What does the Legislative Branch do?
What does the Executive Branch do?
What does the Judicial Branch do?
Explain the system of checks and balances in our govt.