Monica Richardson

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BRANCHES OF GOVERNMENT
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Inquiring minds should want to know

• What are the three branches of government?
• Why do we need three branches?
• Who are the leaders of the three branches of
  government?
• What are the roles of the three branches of
  government?
• How do the branches work together?

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Why three branches?

• Limitation of Powers
• Separation of Powers
• Checks Balances

Reduce Control Divide Control Share
Control
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Branches of Government
Executive
Legislative
Judicial
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Legislative Branch

• Congress
• Responsible for making laws

Senate Senators/2 per state House of
Representatives Representatives/based on
population Originate a bill, get a majority
vote from all of Congress, get the President to
approve bill becomes a law
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Executive Branch

• The President
• Responsible for enforcing laws

• Elected and serves for no more than two
  consecutive 4-year terms, appoints members of the
  Presidents cabinet
• Commander-in-chief of the armed forces, deals
  with other countries,
• veto power

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Judicial Branch

• Supreme Court
• Responsible for interpreting the laws

Appointed by the President, highest court,
there are 9 total members, serve a lifetime
term Overrule decisions made by lower courts,
determine actions made by the President or
Congress unconstitutional
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ReviewBranches of Government
Executive Branch The President enforces laws
Judicial Branch The Supreme Court interprets
laws
Legislative Branch Congress makes laws
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Lesson Small Group Activity

• Checks Balances Chart
• In small groups using notes taken from the
  presentation, students will complete a chart
  covering the powers of the branches of government.

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Lesson Center Activity

• Lawmaker Journaling
• Students will think of a law they feel needs
  to be added and write a letter to their
  congressman making their request, being sure to
  include facts to support their reasons why.

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Now you tell me How does our Government work?