The Branches of American Government

By Mrs. Gottsponer

The Constitution created three Branches of Government

The First Branch of Government:The Legislative Branch

The Legislative Branch

• Writes the laws• Confirms presidential appointments

(Supreme Court Justices)• Ratifies (approves) treaties with other

countries• Appropriates money (says how & where

money will be spent)• Can declare war

1st Part of the Legislative Branch:

The House of Representatives• Elected based on state population. • Arkansas has 4 Representatives:

Rick CrawfordTim GriffinSteve WomackMike Ross

• By law, there can be no more than 435 members

• Term of Office: 2 Years

2nd Part of the Legislative Branch:

The Senate• 100 Senators total• Arkansas’ Senators are:

Mark PryorJohn Boozman

• Term of Office: 6 Years

The Second Branch of Government: The Executive Branch

The Executive Branch

• Administers the laws

• Appoints Ambassadors, Judges, and other officials

• Negotiates treaties

• Conducts foreign policies

• Proposes laws

• Commands the armed forces

The President

• The President carries out the laws made by Congress.

• He can propose bills, veto them, or issue executive orders, which have the force of law.

• All are subject to judicial review.

The Cabinet

•Cabinet members advise the president and head their department.

•Order of succession: Vice President, Secretary of State, Sec. of the Treasury, Sec. of Defense, Attorney General, Homeland Security, etc., continuing in order of creation.

The Third Branch of Government:The Judicial Branch

The Judicial Branch

• The Judicial Branch interprets & enforces laws created by the Legislative & Executive branches

• The Judicial Branch may declare actions/laws unconstitutional

The US Supreme Court

• Supreme Court Justices are appointed by the President• Congress must approve of the appointment• Appointments are for life (or retirement)

The Three Branches

on the Federal Level