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The Three Branches of Government

The Three Branches of Government. Guiding Questions. What are the three branches of government? What are the primary responsibilities of each? Why does the U.S. Constitution provide for a separation of powers? How does the system of checks and balances work?. Introduction.

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The Three Branches of Government

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  1. The Three Branches of Government

  2. Guiding Questions • What are the three branches of government? • What are the primary responsibilities of each? • Why does the U.S. Constitution provide for a separation of powers? • How does the system of checks and balances work?

  3. Introduction • U.S. Constitution divides powers among three branches • “Separation of Powers” • Why was this done?

  4. Separation of Powers • Limits government powers • Prevents any one branch from having too much power

  5. Three Branches of Government • Legislative Branch • Executive Branch • Judicial Branch • What does each branch do?

  6. Three Branches of Government • Legislative Branch – makes the nation’s laws • Executive Branch – carries out the laws • Judicial Branch – interprets the laws

  7. 3 Branches of Government Executive Branch Legislative Branch Judicial Branch President & Vice President Congress Supreme Court Advisors & Appointees Senate House of Representatives Federal Court System

  8. Legislative Branch • Article 1 of the Constitution • Congress – law-making branch • Two houses • Senate • House of Representatives

  9. Picture courtesy of en.wikipedia.org

  10. Executive Branch • Article 2 of the Constitution • Executes, or carries out, nation’s laws • President, Vice President, appointees & advisors

  11. Photo courtesy of www.john-daly.com

  12. Judicial Branch • Article 3 of the Constitution • U.S. Supreme Court & federal court system • Interprets laws • Punishes law-breakers • Determines if laws are constitutional

  13. Photo courtesy of web.utk.edu

  14. Checks & Balances • Each branch has its own powers • Yet, no branch can become too powerful • How does the Constitution balance the powers?

  15. Checks & Balances Each branch has powers to check,or limit, the powers of the other 2 branches

  16. How does this work? • Congress has power to make laws • President has power to veto, or turn down, proposed laws • President can check power of Congress

  17. Can Congress check the President’s power? • Congress can override, or pass a law over President’s veto • 2/3 majority vote in both houses needed

  18. Is the Supreme Court involved in law-making? • Supreme Court can check the powers of Congress and the President • Interprets laws • Determines if laws are constitutional

  19. Photo courtesy of www.usconstitution.com

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