KNOW THE LAW

What are the 3 Branches of Government or Separation of Powers?

The first three articles of the US Constitution establish the three branches of government and their powers: Legislative (Congress), Executive (Office of the President), and Judicial (Federal court system). A system of checks and balances prevents any one of these separate powers from becoming dominant.

The Legislative Branch refers to Congress, made up of two houses, the House of Representatives and the Senate. Congress is responsible for passing laws that must be voted on by both houses and signed by the President. Congress allocates funds for the bills and has the “power of the purse.” Congress can also declare war.

The Executive Branch is responsible for enforcing the laws passed by Congress. It includes the President, his advisors comprising the Cabinet and the Vice President. The President appoints cabinet members, who must be approved by the Senate. The President conducts foreign policy, signs or vetoes laws passed by Congress, issues executive orders and is the Commander in Chief of the armed forces.

The Judicial Branch is responsible for interpreting the laws according to the Constitution. The Supreme Court is the highest court of the land, and its interpretation of the law is considered final. The judicial system also includes district courts and the circuit courts of appeal. The Supreme court hears cases on appeal from the lower courts. It can rule a law or executive order as unconstitutional.

Learn more: https://www.history.com/articles/three-branches-of-government

Link to Checks and Balances: lwvsonoma.org/ChecksandBalances

WHY DOES THIS MATTER?

Each branch of the government has a distinct role to provide necessary services to the people and maintain the balance of power. This balance of power ensures our democracy. When any one branch oversteps its role, it upsets the balance of power and can lead to illegal activities and infringe on our freedoms.

Link to more civics topics: lwvsonoma.org/CivicsMenu