Branches of Government

Three Branches Legislative – Congress

Make laws Executive – President

Enforce laws Judicial – Supreme Court

Interpret laws

Legislative House of Representatives

2 year terms Leader from majority party – Speaker of

the House Determined by population Bills about raising money originate in

House Must approve any bill before it goes to

President

Senate 6 year terms VP – President of Senate for ties President pro tempore – majority group’s

leader Actually runs Senate

Must be passed before going to Presidnet Power to impeach – 2/3 vote

Legislative Makes laws Approves President’s budget and treaties Remove judges from office for misconduct Override a Presidential veto with 2/3 Confirms presidential appointments for

Supreme Court Tax, borrow and coin money Regulate commerce

Declare war Raise and support armies Make all laws “necessary and proper”

Presidential Requirements Natural born citizen At least 35 Term 4 years

No term limits yet Swear oath

“I do solemnly swear that I will faithfully execute the Office of President of the United States, and will to the best of my ability, preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States”

Executive Creates budget Make treaties (Senate approves treaties

though) Appoints cabinet

State, Treasury, War, Attorney General Appoints Supreme Court Veto bill from Congress

Power of President Commander and chief of Army and Navy Grant pardons Call Congress into session Can be impeached

Treason Bribery Other high crimes

Judicial Powers

Decide whether laws are constitutional Final decision for state and federal cases Justices appointed for life or retirement

Separated from voters Strict vs broad interpretation

Fill in the chart.

Power

Interpret laws

Creates a budget

Appoints judges

Makes laws

Declares laws unconstitutional

Confirms appointment of

judges

Branch Branch being checked

Fill in the chart.

Power

Interpret laws

Creates a budget

Appoints judges

Makes laws

Declares laws unconstitutional

Confirms appointment of

judges

Branch

Judicial

Executive

Executive

Legislative

Judicial

Legislative

Branch being checked

Legislative, Executive

Legislative

Judicial

Executive

Legislative, Executive

Executive