The U.S. Constitution3.1 Three branches of Government

The Constitution is designed to prevent any person or part of Government from becoming too powerful

Therefore the powers are divided into three separate branches

The U.S. Constitution

Three branches of Government

Law making branch of government

Bicameral-Has 2 houses1. House of Representatives2. Senate

1. Legislative Branch

Executes or carries out the law

Headed by the president

Also includes the vice president and the president’s cabinet

2. Executive Branch

Interprets Laws including the Constitution

Federal court System

Supreme Court is the Head

3. Judicial Branch

Each Branch can check or limit the powers of the others

Checks and Balances

Legislative Powers Checks on Powers-Pass Laws - President can veto laws

-Override President’s Veto with - Supreme Court can rule a law two thirds vote in each house unconstitutional

-Approves judges

Legislative Powers and Checks

Executive Powers Checks on Power- Approves or vetoes laws - Veto can be overridden- Carries out the laws - Can be impeached or- Appoints Judges removed from office

-Senate must approve judges

Executive Powers and Checks

Judicial Powers Judicial Checks-Interprets the law -Congress can amend the

Constitution-Can rule that a law or -Senate can refuse appointments executive order is to the courts unconstitutional -Congress can impeach and

remove a judge

Judicial Powers and Checks

List the three branches of government and explain the primary function of each. Secondly, explain what checks and balances are and why they are important. Finally, detail how one branch of government checks the other two and how it is limited by those branches.

Essay 3.1