The Three Branches of Government
Our government is like a team with three important groups. Each group has special jobs, and they work together to keep our country running smoothly and fairly!
Why Three Branches?
Sharing the Power
When America was founded, the leaders wanted to make sure no one person or group had too much power. So they divided the government into three parts called branches. Think of it like a tree with three big branches - each one is important!
The Executive Branch
🇺🇸 The Executive Branch
What does it do? The Executive Branch carries out and enforces the laws. Think of it as the "doer" of the government!
- The President is the leader of our country and makes sure laws are followed
- The Vice President helps the President and takes over if needed
- The Cabinet are helpers who advise the President on important topics
- Manages the military and keeps the country safe
- Works with leaders from other countries
The Legislative Branch
🏛️ The Legislative Branch
What does it do? The Legislative Branch makes the laws. Think of it as the "writer" of the government!
- Congress is made up of two groups:
- The Senate - 100 members (2 from each state)
- The House of Representatives - 435 members (based on state population)
- Creates new laws and changes old ones
- Decides how to spend the country's money
- Can declare war
The Judicial Branch
👨⚖️ The Judicial Branch
What does it do? The Judicial Branch interprets the laws. Think of it as the "judge" of the government - it decides what laws mean and if they are fair!
- The Supreme Court has 9 justices (judges)
- Decides if laws follow the Constitution
- Settles disagreements about what laws mean
- Makes sure everyone is treated fairly under the law
- Their decisions are final - no one can overturn them!
Checks and Balances
Keeping Things Fair
The three branches check on each other to make sure no one gets too powerful. This is called checks and balances. It's like having referees in a game - everyone has to play fair!
How the Branches Check Each Other
The President can VETO (say no to) laws that Congress passes.
Congress can override a veto if enough members vote for it. Congress also approves the President's choices for judges.
The Court can say a law is unconstitutional (not allowed by the Constitution) and throw it out.
The President chooses who becomes a Supreme Court justice.
The Senate must approve the President's choices for the Supreme Court.
The Court can rule that the President's actions are unconstitutional.
Branch Matching Game
Match each job to the correct branch of government. Click one item on the left, then click the matching branch on the right!
Match the Job to the Branch
Jobs
Branches
Who Am I? Game
Read the clue and click which branch is being described!
Which Branch Am I?
Practice Questions
Test your knowledge of the three branches!
Question 1: Who is the leader of the Executive Branch?
Question 2: What is Congress?
Question 3: What does the Supreme Court do?
Question 4: What is a veto?
Question 5: Why do we have checks and balances?
Check Your Understanding
How many members are in the Senate?
Which branch is called Congress?
Where does the President live and work?
What We Learned
Executive
Led by the President. Carries out and enforces the laws.
Legislative
Congress (Senate + House). Creates the laws.
Judicial
Supreme Court. Interprets laws and decides if they're fair.
Checks & Balances
Each branch can limit the others so no one has too much power.
Next Steps
- Review the three branches and what each one does
- Think about how checks and balances work in real life
- Look for news stories about the President, Congress, or Supreme Court
- When ready, continue to learn about Local Government!