The Three Branches of the United States Government

1. The Three Branches of the United States Government

2. Legislative Branch – Congress MAKES LAWS

3. Legislative – Congress • House of Representatives • Reps serve 2 yrs • A Rep must be 25 yrs old & a citizen for 7 yrs • Can suggest tax laws • Can start impeachment by accusing the president

4. Legislative – Congress • Senate • Senators serve a 6 yr term • A Senator must be 30 yrs old and a citizen for 9 yrs • Can approve presidential appointments • Approves treaties with foreign countries • Can put the president on trial to make a final decision on impeachment

5. Legislative – Congress • Both the House and Senate together 10. Can propose a law and send it to the president with an over 50% vote 11. Can declare war 12. Can override the president’s veto with a 2/3 vote and pass the vetoed bill 13. Can propose amendments (changes) to Constitution with a 2/3 vote

6. Executive Branch – the President MAKES LAWS HAPPEN

7. Executive – the President, Vice President and Cabinet • The President serves a four year term. • The President must be at least 35 yrs old, a 14-yr resident and native born • Has the power to approve or veto laws • Makes international treaties • Nominates judges to the Supreme Ct • Appoints cabinet members / advisors • Is Commander-in-Chief of the military • 20.5. Supervises federal staff and budget to make laws happen

8. Judicial Branch – Supreme and Federal Courts INTERPRETS LAWS

9. Judicial – Supreme (9 justices) and Federal Courts • Justices of the Supreme Ct serve for life • Can declare laws unconstitutional (void) through a court case • Can settle disputes involving the U.S. • Can settle disputes between states • Chief Justice rules over an impeachment trial of the President