1. The 3 Branches of Government

2. What do you mean, branches?
Under the US Constitution, the responsibilities of government are split between three separate and equal branches

3. The Legislative Branch
AKA: “Congress”
Job: Write and pass laws for the nation. Control nation’s money.
Description: bicameral monster
House of Representatives
The Senate

4. The Executive Branch AKA: “The President”
Job: Approve laws passed by Congress and enforce laws. Control nation’s military.
Description: one man show

5. The Judicial Branch AKA: “The Supreme Court”
Job: Evaluate laws. Can declare laws unconstitutional.
Description: 9, life-term geezers

6. How laws work - Example
Step One: One part of the legislature (let’s use the Senate) passes a law banning Bluetooth devices (because people appear to be talking to themselves.)

7. Step 2:
The bluetooth bill goes to the House of Representatives for approval. The House may change it.

8. Step 3:
If the House approves it, it goes to the president. If the House changes it, the House and the Senate must meet to write a compromise that both can agree to.
The House of Representatives
The Senate

9. I hate those freakin’ bluetooth thingies!
Step 4:
The President gets the bill. He either signs it (and makes it official) or he vetoes (rejects) it.
I hate those freakin’ bluetooth thingies!

10. Step 5 (maybe):
If the president vetoes the bill, it goes back to Congress for another vote. They need a 2/3 vote to override the veto and pass the law.
You mean we got to do this all over again?!?!
VETO
Get this junk out of my face!

11. We declare this law unconstitutional! It violates your rights!
So it’s in the books. . .
The law is passed, but if the Supreme Court finds that it violates the constitution, it can be removed. This process is called Judicial Review.
We declare this law unconstitutional! It violates your rights!