Structure of the U.S. Government: The Three Branches
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Which Article of the Constitution establishes the legislative branch?
Article I.
What is the executive branch of the U.S. government and what does it do?
The executive branch is headed by the President. Its primary role is to carry out and enforce the laws.
Which Article of the Constitution establishes the executive branch?
Article II.
What is the judicial branch of the U.S. government and what does it do?
The judicial branch is the federal court system, headed by the Supreme Court. Its primary role is to interpret laws and resolve legal disputes.
Which Article of the Constitution establishes the judicial branch?
Article III.
What system stops one branch of government from becoming too powerful?
Checks and balances. Each branch has powers that can limit or 'check' the powers of the other two branches.
Give an example of a 'check' the President (Executive Branch) has on Congress (Legislative Branch).
The President can veto legislation passed by Congress, preventing it from becoming law unless the veto is overridden.
The U.S. Constitution divides the federal government into how many branches?
Three branches: Legislative, Executive, and Judicial.
What is the principle of separating the powers of government into three branches called?
Separation of Powers. This system prevents any one branch from becoming too powerful.
What is the legislative branch of the U.S. government and what does it do?
The legislative branch is Congress. Its primary role is to make laws.
Give an example of a 'check' Congress (Legislative Branch) has on the President (Executive Branch).
Congress can override a presidential veto with a two-thirds vote in both the House and the Senate. It can also impeach and remove the President from office.
Give an example of a 'check' the Judicial Branch has on the other two branches.
The Judicial Branch can declare laws passed by Congress or actions taken by the President unconstitutional, a power known as judicial review.
