3 Branches of Government Checks and Balances Checks

3 Branches of Government (Checks and Balances)

Checks and Balances • Principle of the Constitution where each branch can stop the other branches from being too powerful

Division of Government • The Constitution divides the national government into three branches.

Legislative Branch • Congress – – 1 2 U. S. Capital Makes Laws Establishes Taxes House of Representatives (435 Reps) Senate (100 senators) 2 -Check and Balance • Congress can overturn a President’s Veto 1

Executive Branch • President of the United States White House – Makes sure laws are carried out (enforce laws) – Commands the armed forces – Check and Balance • Can veto laws congress has passed • Appoints Supreme Court and Federal Justices (Judges)

Judicial Branch U. S. Supreme Court • Supreme Court and other federal courts – Interprets, or decides, what laws mean – Decides if laws follow the Constitution – Check and Balance • Can overturn laws • Can overturn President’s actions – If all are against the Constitution

Carries out the Laws Interprets the Laws Makes Laws

Carries out the Laws Can override veto Can veto laws Interprets the Laws Makes Laws

Carries out the Laws Can override veto Can veto laws Interprets the Laws Approves new Supreme Court justices Can reject laws that are unconstitutional Makes Laws

Can nominate Supreme Court justices Carries out the Laws Can reject treaties that are unconstitutional Interprets the Laws Can override veto Can veto laws Approves new Supreme Court justices Can reject laws that are unconstitutional Makes Laws

Can nominate Supreme Court justices Can override veto ______ Can reject treaties that are unconstitutional Can veto laws Approves new Supreme Court justices ___________ Can reject laws that are unconstitutional

Review Questions

Question One • What are the Three Branches of Government?

Question Two • What two powers does the Legislative Branch have?

Question Three • What two powers does the Executive Branch have?

Question Four • What two powers does the Judicial Branch have?