The
Executive
branch is designed to operate our
government. It also enforces federal laws and carries
out policies set up by members of this branch. It
consists of the President, Vice President, Attorney
General, 15 Cabinet members, andmany other
federal agencies, such as the Environmental
Protection Agency.
The President is advised by his Cabinet members.
Each Cabinet group is organized into Executive
Departments. The leader of each Department is called
a Secretary. Thus, we have the Secretaries of Defense,
State, and Homeland Security, to name a few.
Members are chosen by the President but must be
approved by the Senate, a legislative body. This
is one way a balance of power is achieved.
The
Legislative
branch ismade
up of
Congress
and various
government agencies. Congress
consists of two chambers.
Members are elected to one
chamber, called the
House of
Representatives
, and they
represent the population of
their state. The other
chamber is the
Senate
, to
which each state elects two
members. Themain purpose
of Congress is to write,
debate, and pass bills. These
bills are sent to the President
to be signed into law. If the
President vetoes, or disapproves,
the bill, it is sent back to Congress.
Congress can override the President’s veto if two-
thirds of each chamber approves the bill. This is
another example of how a balance of power works.
The
Judicial
branch consists of judges who run
our court system. People accused of crimes are
placed on trial for their crimes. Many criminal cases
are decided by a jury of men and women. Judges
also listen to arguments to interpret themeaning of
laws at the national, state, county, and local levels.
They rule as to whether any law violates state and
national Constitutions.
L
ET
’
S
R
EVIEW
:
1. What is government?
2. What is anarchy?
3. What is themost common formof government on our planet?
4. A country that is governed by a religious ruler is known as a?
5. A country that is governed by a king or queen is known as a?
6. List at least four responsibilities of citizenship in our democratic government.
7. List at least six rights that are guaranteed to citizens in our democracy.
8. List the three branches of our federal government.
9. Describe themain functions of our Executive branch of government.
10. Describe themajor functions of the Legislative branch of government.
11. Describe themain roles of the Judicial branch of government.
12. Why does the House of Representatives havemoremembers elected to that body than the Senate?
13. Identify at least three powers of Congress.
Other Powers of Congress
1. declare war on other countries
2. approve the printing of money
3. make laws about federal taxes
4. make laws controlling trade among
states and countries
Why is Good Government So Important?
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