THREE BRANCHES:
Separate But Equal
The nation’s Founders wanted to ensure that no one government official or group had
too much power. They created three branches of federal government that share power
equally. Read the chart, and then answer the questions below.
★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
★
LEGISLATIVE BRANCH
• Makes the laws
• CONGRESS
• Declares war
★
House of Representatives
• Senate approves or rejects the
(435 members)
President’s nominations of Justices
★
Senate
(judges) to the U.S. Supreme Court
(100 members)
Capitol
★
• Has authority to approve or veto
EXECUTIVE BRANCH
★
congressional bills (proposed laws),
• PRESIDENT
plans, and programs
• VICE PRESIDENT
★
• Shapes and carries out foreign policy
• CABINET MEMBERS
White House
• Plans federal budget, collects taxes
★
JUDICIAL BRANCH
• Can declare laws unconstitutional
★
to protect the rights of citizens
• SUPREME COURT
• Resolves conflicts and questions
(9 Justices)
★ Supreme
about certain laws
• LOWER FEDERAL COURTS
Court Building
★
★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
★
★★
★★
★★
★
★
★
★
★
★
★
★★
★★
★★
★
★
2. Which branch declares war? Why do you think that branch holds that power?
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3. Who nominates Supreme Court Justices? Who approves the nominations?
________________________________________________________________________________
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ANSWERS: 1. 3; 2. legislative branch; answers may vary; 3. the President; the Senate
1. How many branches of government get involved with laws? _________________________