Branches of Government A major criticism directed against

Branches of Government

A major criticism directed against the Articles of Confederation was that power was allocated primarily to 1. 2. 3. 4. military leaders the national government the electoral college state governments

The president vetoes a bill and then Congress overrides the veto by a twothirds vote of both houses. This situation is an example of the operation of 1. 2. 3. 4. checks and balances Federalism legislative compromise direct democracy

Aim: What are the main functions of the three Branches of Government? Do Now: Answer the following USHG Regents Questions Homework: Test in 2 days!

Branches of Government

• The U. S. Government is divided into three branches: • • • Legislative (Congress) Executive (President) Judicial (Supreme Court)

The Legislative Branch • a. k. a. - Congress: main duty is to make laws. • Other duties include: – overriding presidential vetoes DEF: veto – “NO” – approving presidential appointments to governmental positions, such as Supreme Court Justices – approving treaties with other countries – collect taxes – provide for the defense of the nation (maintain military) – declare war – regulate money and trade – impeach government officials DEF: impeach – to bring up on charges

Congress

Executive Branch • a. k. a. - The President • Chief Executive – Puts laws into effect. Appoints Supreme Court Justices. • Chief Legislator – Recommends legislation to Congress. Vetoes laws. • Commander-in-Chief Head of the military during a time of war.

The Executive Branch

• The President is surrounded by cabinet members (Vice President and 15 secretaries) who serve as his advisors in many different areas: • **The Presidential Cabinet is part of the unwritten Constitution, which means it is not written in the Constitution but is customary and accepted practice** • Examples: – Secretary of State – handles affairs with other nations. – Secretary of health and human services – protects the health of all Americans

The Presidential Cabinet:

Judicial Branch • a. k. a – Courts / U. S. Supreme Court: the main job of the Judicial Branch is to interpret the law. • The Supreme Court practices Judicial Review, which was established by the court case Marbury v. Madison. – DEF: Judicial Review is the Supreme Court’s ability to determine if laws, court cases or any other legal matter violate any aspects of the Constitution.

U. S. Supreme Court

Checks and Balances: • A system of checks and balances was designed to prevent any one branch of government form becoming too strong. • DEF: checks and balances – a division of the branches of government to prevent any one branch of government from becoming too strong. • **also known as separation of powers**