GOVERNMENT AND
THE PEOPLE
Chapter 8, Lesson #2
THE LEGISLATIVE BRANCH
(CONGRESS)
Article 1:
• Makes laws
• Two branches: House of
Representatives – 435 members
• Based on state population
• Two year terms
• Senate – 100 members
• 2 members (votes) per state
• 6 year terms
• 6 Non-voting members
• No term limits like president
THE EXECUTIVE BRANCH
Article 2:
• Carries out laws passed by Congress
• Led by President
• Commander in Chief of military
• Cabinet Members
• Heads of 15 executive departments
• Secretary of Defense
• Secretary of the Treasury
• Secretary of Education
• Secretary of State
THE JUDICIAL BRANCH
Article 3:
• Establishes the Supreme Court
• Interprets (explains) laws
• Judicial Review: make sure the
other branches follow the rules of
the Constitution.
• 9 members of the Supreme Court
• Nominated by the President
• Approved by the Senate
• In office until they die or retire
• Congress establishes lower federal
courts
YOUR RIGHTS!
Due Process:
• 5th amendment
• no one shall “be deprived of life, liberty, or
property, without due process of law.”
• Right to trial
• Gov’t can’t take away your freedom without
following the rule of law.
Equal Protection:
• 14th amendment
• law must treat all people in the same way—no
matter what race, religion, or political group they
belong to.
RESPONSIBILITIES OF A CITIZEN
Duty: (Have to do)
• Pay taxes
• Follow laws
• Sit on a Jury when called (Jury duty)
Responsibility: (Should do)
• Vote
• Take part in gov’t
• Respect the right’s of others