Our Government- NOTES
1. The first plan of government was
called the Articles of
Confederation. It didn’t work.
2. The first 10 amendments to the
Constitution are called the Bill of
Rights.
3. The Bill of Rights lists freedoms
that all citizens have.
4. The beginning of the Constitution
is called the Preamble. It tells
why the Constitution was written.
5. The Constitution divides the
government into three branches.
6. The three branches of government are the
Executive, Legislative, and Judicial.
7. The Executive Branch, headed by the president,
carries out the laws.
8. The Legislative Branch, Congress, makes the
laws. Congress is divided into two parts: the
senate and House of Representatives.
9. Every state has 2 senators. Each States
Representatives are based on population.
10.The Judicial Branch, consisting of the
Supreme Court and other federal courts,
interprets/explains and applies the laws.
This political cartoon is showing the three branches of
government. What is it saying about the Legislative branch?
11.The Framers of the Constitution established a
system of checks and balances in which each
branch of government can check, or limit, the
power of the other branches.
12.Checks and balances helps maintain a balance
of power in the three branches.
Political cartoons for the system of Checks and balances.
What do you think each one means?
Examples of Checks and Balances:
13.The Supreme Court can check the authority
of congress by ruling a law unconstitutional.
14.The president can appoint the supreme court
justices.
15.The president can veto a bill he doesn’t want
to become law. Congress can override his
veto with 2/3 majority.
16.Because all citizens have rights, they also
have responsibilities.
17.Our government could not work very well
without responsible citizens.
18.Responsibilities include:
*obeying laws
*paying taxes
*defend the nation
*serving on a jury
*voting
*being an informed citizen
RESPONSIBILITIES OF CITIZENS
Obey
Laws