The document summarizes the three branches of the US government: 1) The Executive Branch is headed by the President who carries out laws, directs foreign policy, and appoints ambassadors. The President is elected through the electoral college system. 2) The Judicial Branch is headed by the Supreme Court, which has the power to declare laws unconstitutional. Lower courts include district and appellate courts. 3) Checks and Balances allows each branch to limit the power of the others, such as the President vetoing bills or Congress overriding vetoes. The Supreme Court can declare laws unconstitutional.

1. Ch 8, Sec 2: How the Federal Government Works Main Idea: The United States government is divided into three branches with separate roles and responsibilities.

2. The Executive Branch Set up by Article II of the Constitution The President is the head of the Executive Branch, followed by the Vice-President and the Cabinet

3. The Executive Branch Roles of the President: Carry out the laws Direct foreign policy Make treaties with other nations Appoint ambassadors Commander-in-Chief Suggest new laws Grant pardons Call special sessions of Congress

4. The Executive Branch Living Symbol: Welcomes foreign leaders Makes speeches Gives medals

5. The Executive Branch Electing the President: Requirements: Age: 35 Citizenship: natural born citizen/lives in the U.S. for at least 14 years 4 year term, no more then 2 terms Framers set up the electoral college to elect the president

6. The Executive Branch The President can win the popular vote , but loose the election

7. The Judicial Branch Called the Supreme Court, is at the top of the judicial system Lower Courts: Federal cases start at a district court If the people are not happy with the decision, they can appeal , or ask that the decision be reviewed by a higher court. Second level of courts is a(n) appellate court

8. The Judicial Branch Supreme Court: Made up of a chief justice and 8 associate justices The President appoints the justices and the Senate approves them. Term: Life Main job is as an appellate court Hears more then 100 cases a year

9. The Judicial Branch Makes rulings by a majority vote, or at least 5 justices. Most important power: Interpret the Constitution Can rule actions of the President or laws made by Congress unconstitutional , or not allowed under the Constitution.

10. Checks and Balances Definition: Allows the 3 branches to check or limit the power of the other branches President checks Congress by: Vetoing Bills Rejecting Congress checks the President by: Overriding the veto: Overruling

11. Checks and Balances Supreme Court checks both by: Declaring laws unconstitutional Ultimate check by Congress: Impeach the President: Starts in the House Trial held by Senate President must leave office if 2/3 of the Senate vote to convict

12. Checks and Balances 2 Presidents have had this happen to them: Andrew Johnson Bill Clinton