The Three Branches of the US Government

• The US government is structured into three distinct branches: the legislative, the executive, and the judicial.

Legislative Branch

• The legislative branch is Congress, consisting of the House of Representatives and the Senate.
• Congress has the responsibility of creating laws.
• Congress holds the power to declare war.
• Congress manages the federal budget through its power of the purse.
• The House of Representatives has 435 members, with representation based on each state's population size.
• Representatives serve two-year terms.
• The Senate has 100 members, with each state having two senators.
• Senators serve six-year terms.
• The main powers of Congress include:
  • Passing legislation
  • Impeaching and removing federal officials
  • Declaring war
  • Regulating interstate and foreign commerce
  • Controlling federal spending

Executive Branch

• The executive branch is headed by the President.
• The President is responsible for enforcing laws.
• The President is also the Commander-in-Chief of the armed forces.
• The President is elected to a four-year term.
• The President can serve a maximum of two terms.
• Key roles of the executive branch include:
  • Enforcing laws passed by Congress
  • Conducting foreign policy
  • Commanding the military
  • Appointing federal officials
  • Granting pardons and reprieves
• The Vice President assumes the presidency if the President is unable to serve.
• Cabinet members are nominated by the President.
• Cabinet appointments require Senate confirmation.
• Executive agencies and departments, such as the Department of State and the Department of Defense, carry out the day-to-day administration of the government.

Judicial Branch

• The judicial branch is headed by the Supreme Court.
• The judicial branch interprets laws.
• It ensures laws are applied fairly.
• The Supreme Court has the final say in legal disputes.
• The Supreme Court consists of nine justices.
• Justices are nominated by the President and confirmed by the Senate.
• Justices serve lifetime appointments.
• The judicial branch includes:
  • District Courts: These are the trial courts of the federal system.
  • Courts of Appeals: These courts hear appeals from the district courts.
  • Supreme Court: This is the highest court in the nation and has the final say in legal disputes.
• Judicial review is a key power, allowing courts to declare laws or executive actions unconstitutional.
• The Supreme Court's decisions shape the interpretation of laws and set precedents for future cases.

Checks and Balances

• Checks and balances are designed to prevent any one branch from becoming too powerful.
• Congress can impeach and remove the President or federal judges e.g. checks on Executive and Judicial branches.
• The President can veto legislation passed by Congress.
• The judiciary can declare laws unconstitutional.
• Congress can override a presidential veto with a two-thirds vote in both houses.
• The President appoints judges, but the Senate must confirm them.
• Treaties negotiated by the President require Senate ratification.

Lawmaking Process

• A bill can start in either the House or the Senate, except for tax bills, which must originate in the House.
• A bill is introduced, debated, and voted on in each chamber of Congress.
• If the House and Senate pass different versions of the same bill, a conference committee is formed to reconcile the differences.
• The revised bill is then sent back to both chambers for a final vote.
• Once passed by both the House and the Senate, the bill is sent to the President.
• The President can sign the bill into law or veto it.

Federalism

• Federalism is the division of powers between the federal and state governments.
• The Constitution delegates certain powers to the federal government.
• Powers not delegated to the federal government are reserved to the states.
• Both the federal and state governments have the power to tax.
• Both can make and enforce laws
• Both can establish courts.
• States have power over education, intrastate commerce, and local law enforcement.
• The Supremacy Clause establishes that the Constitution and federal laws are the supreme law of the land.

An overview of the three branches of the U.S. government: the legislative, executive, and judicial. Focus on the structure, roles, and responsibilities of each branch, including Congress, the President, and the Supreme Court. Key powers such as lawmaking, enforcement, and judicial review are highlighted.