BRANCHESBRANCHESOFOF

GOVERNMENGOVERNMENTT

Inquiring minds should want to know…

What are the three branches of government?

Why do we need three branches?

Who are the leaders of the three branches of government?

What are the roles of the three branches of government?

How do the branches work together?

Why three branches?

Limitation of Powers –

Separation of Powers –

Checks & Balances –

Reduce Control

Divide Control

Share Control

Branches of Government

Legislative

Executive

Judicial

Senate Senators/2 per state House of RepresentativesRepresentatives/based on population

Originate a bill, get a majority vote from all of Congress, get the President to approve – bill becomes a law

Legislative Branch

Congress

Responsible for making laws

Elected and serves for no more than two consecutive 4-year terms, appoints members of the President’s cabinet

Commander-in-chief of the armed forces, deals with other countries, veto power

Executive BranchExecutive Branch

The President

Responsible for enforcing laws

Judicial Judicial BranchBranch

Supreme Court

Responsible for interpreting the laws

Appointed by the President, highest court, there are 9 total members, serve a lifetime term

Overrule decisions made by lower courts, determine actions made by the President or Congress unconstitutional

ReviewBranches of Government

Legislative Branch

Congress makes laws

Executive Branch

The President enforces laws

Judicial Branch

The Supreme Court

interprets laws

Lesson Small Group ActivityChecks & Balances Chart

In small groups using notes taken from the presentation, students will complete a chart covering the powers of the branches of government.

Lesson Center ActivityLawmaker Journaling

Students will think of a law they feel needs to be added and write a letter to their congressman making their request, being sure to include facts to support their reasons why.

Now you tell me… How does our

Government work?