The three branches of the US government are the legislative, executive, and judicial branches. The legislative branch makes laws, the executive branch enforces laws, and the judicial branch interprets laws. This system of separation of powers was designed to prevent any one branch from becoming too powerful and to help ensure a system of checks and balances.

1. The Three Branches of GovernmentPeterastn, “tree in front of the sun” December 18, 2005 via flickr, Creative Commons Attribute

2. What Are The Three BranchesLegislative BranchExecutive BranchJudicial Branch

3. Each branch is responsible for their jobNo one gets too much powerHelps thing run smoothlySeparation of Powers

4. Article I of the ConstitutionHas power to make lawsSets apart funds for governmentLegislative BranchScubadive67, “Capital Building” September 7, 2007 via Flickr, Creative Commons Attribute

5. CongressCongress is made up of two partsThe SenateThe House of RepresentativesWho is in the Legislative Branch?

6. The Senate has 100 membersTwo from each stateMust be at least 30 years oldThe Senate

7. Must live in the state he/she representsElected for 6 yearsMust be a citizen for 9 yearsThe Senate

8. Has 435 membersAt least 1 representatives from each stateElected by the peopleHouse of Representatives

9. 2-year termAt least 25 years oldMust be a citizen for 7 yearsHouse of Representatives

10. Article II, Section I of the ConstitutionMakes sure laws are obeyedThe President is the head Executive BranchEthan Bloch, “BarackObama” January 14, 2009 via flickr, Creative Commons Attribute

11. Vice PresidentDepartments heads/cabinet membersIndependent AgenciesThe President Gets Help From…

12. The countries court systemDecides meaning of lawsDecides how laws are appliedDecides if the laws break the rulesJudicial Branch

13. Highest court in the U.S.Made up of 9 judges/justicesThere is one Chief JusticeThe Supreme Court

14. Appointed by the PresidentApproved by the SenateJustices have their job for lifeThe Supreme Court

15. The branches check each others powerSet to maintain balance of powersChecks and Balances

16. Can appoint or reject judicial nominationsCan Declare acts of the executive unconstitutionalCan declare laws unconstitutional Nominates Federal JudgesCan override executive’s veto and reject judicial nominationsCan veto laws made by the legislative

17. The founding fathers and the framers of the Constitution set the three branches in place in order to create a balance of power. The three branches work together to assure the rights of citizens are not overlooked.Conclusion

18. U.S. Government Printing Office, . Ben's Guide to U.S. Government. 12/15/2008. Web. 20 Oct 2009. <http:// bensguide.gpo.gov/3-5/government/branches.html> Bibliography