Level 1 ยท Foundations
Recommended after: Constitution Basics
Understanding the Three Branches
The U.S. government is divided into three separate branches, each with specific powers and responsibilities. This separation prevents any one branch from becoming too powerful.
Legislative Branch
Congress (House + Senate)
- Makes laws - Creates federal legislation
- Bicameral - Two chambers (House and Senate)
- Controls budget - Appropriates federal funds
- Declares war - Only Congress has this power
Executive Branch
The President & Agencies
- Enforces laws - Carries out federal legislation
- Commander-in-Chief - Commands the military
- Foreign policy - Negotiates treaties, appoints ambassadors
- Appoints judges - Nominates federal judges
Judicial Branch
Federal Courts & Supreme Court
- Interprets laws - Determines meaning of legislation
- Judicial review - Can declare laws unconstitutional
- Settles disputes - Resolves legal controversies
- Protects rights - Ensures constitutional protections
Key Distinction
Remember: Legislative makes the laws, Executive enforces the laws, and Judicial interprets the laws. Each branch has unique powers that prevent any one branch from dominating the others.