1. The Three Branches of the U.S. Government
Executive
Legislative
Judicial

2. The Constitution
In 1787 in Philadelphia, delegates from the 13 original states met to improve upon the existing U.S. government. In the process, they wrote The Constitution of the United States, the document that created the three-branch system of government that has lasted for over 200 years with few but important changes.

3. The law of the Land
United States Constitution- the foundation and framework for our laws and the government.
It gives us our freedoms and rights.
It is the framework for our government.
It is the foundation for our laws.

4. Bill of Rights
The first ten additions, or amendments, to the Constitution are called the Bill of Rights. This lists the freedoms and rights guaranteed to every American such as freedom of speech, right to counsel, and freedom of religion.

5. Federal System
A federal government shares powers between the national, state, and local levels such as counties, cities, and school districts.
While each level has certain powers, all levels must first obey the Constitution.

6. President Barack Obama
Executive Branch
The executive branch of government enforces and carries out the laws. The president is the leader of the executive branch and the head of state for the U.S. government.
President Barack Obama

7. House of Representatives – based on state population
Legislative Branch
The legislative branch makes the laws. The U.S. legislature is called Congress, and has two parts – the House of Representatives and the Senate. Representatives serve 2 year terms, and senators serve 6 year terms.
House of Representatives – based on state population
Senate – 2 for each state

8. Supreme Court – 9 justices (judges)
Judicial Branch
The judicial branch is the system of courts that settles disputes over the law. They also decide whether laws are legal under the Constitution, called judicial review. The U.S. Supreme Court is the highest court in this branch.
Supreme Court – 9 justices (judges)

9. Checks and Balances
Each branch has some powers over and under the other branches so that no one branch is more powerful. This is called the system of checks and balances.

10. Review Quiz
1. The ________________ established our system of government.
The __________________ guarantees our rights and freedoms.
The ___________ system shares power between national, state, and local levels of government.
Each branch has ___________________ over the other two branches so no one branch is more powerful.
Who enforces the laws?
Who settles disputes over laws?
Who creates laws?
Name the two parts of congress (One)
How many supreme court justices are there?