Branches of

Government

Our Government

• Our nation’s government has three parts or branches.

• The United States Constitution describes the role of each branch.

• The main role is to protect citizens’ rights.

Our Government

• Our nations capitol is located in Washington D.C.

• This is where our nations government leaders work

3 Branches of Government

Legislative Branch

• The legislative branch is sometimes called Congress.

• Congress is divided into two parts.– House of Representatives

• 435 members• Based on population

– Senate• 100 members• 2 from each state

• Citizens elect lawmakers to serve in the legislature

What Does the Legislative Branch Do?

• Makes New Laws

• Changes Existing Laws– Based on the provisions in the Constitution and

the Bill of Rights

Kansas House of Representatives

Lynn Jenkins

2nd District

Mike Pompeo

4th DistrictKevin Yoder3rd District

Tim Huelskamp

1st District

Kansas U.S. Senators

• Pat Roberts • Jerry Moran

Executive Branch

• The executive branch carries out the laws.

• The President heads this branch.

• American citizens vote to decide who will be President.

Head of the Executive Branch

President

Barack Obama

Vice President

Joe Biden

What Does the Executive Branch Do?

• Carries out the laws

• Approves or rejects (veto) laws made by Congress

• Makes sure laws are carried out

Judicial Branch

• The judicial branch decides what the laws mean and whether they obey the Constitution.

• The Supreme Court heads this branch.

• There are nine members who are appointed by the President and confirmed by the Senate.

What Does the Judicial Branch Do?

• Studies and interprets the laws

• Decide if the laws obey the Constitution

Legislative Branch Executive Branch Judicial Branch

Let’s Review

What is the job of each branch?