The Constitution makes provisions todivide the powers of Gov’t into THREE BRANCHES

1. Legislature – Makes laws2. Executive – Carries out laws3. Judicial – Interprets laws

Law: legal document setting forth rules or standards for a society

a defined condition

The Constitution gives names to eachof the THREE BRANCHES

1. Legislature – U.S. Congress

2. Executive – President

3. Judicial – Federal Courts

Constitution gives the U.S. Congressthe power to:

1. Make Laws 2. Declare War 3. Control Treasury 4. Impeachment5. Approve Treaties 6. Override vetoes7. Others

Congress can still pass avetoed law

Constitution gives the President the power to:

1. Enforce Laws 2. Commander-in-Chief 3. Appoint Judges4. Veto Powers 5. Negotiate Treaties6. Grant Pardons7. Others

Bill: idea for a law

President can kill or “forbid” a bill passed by Congress

Constitution gives the Courts the power to:1. Interpret Laws 2. Declare Laws Unconstitutional**3. Powers not well defined in Constitution

Federal Courts:Supreme CourtsAppeals CourtsDistrict Courts