Three Branches

Three Branches

U.S. Government

Power is divided among three branches of government.

The three branches of government are:

• Executive

• Legislative

• Judicial

The Executive Branch

The president and his cabinet make up the executive branch. The president signs bills into law, is "Commander-in-Chief" of the armed forces, and appoints people in charge of: Agriculture, Defense, Education, Energy, Health, Housing, Transportation, etc.

The Legislative Branch

Congress makes up the legislative branch. It is split into two chambers called the Senate and the House of Representatives. This branch of government writes laws for our country. Members of Congress are called "Representatives."

The Judicial Branch

The Judicial branch interprets, defends, and applies our laws in legal cases. Unlike other branches where members are appointed by vote, the President appoints judges. There are levels of courts, with the Supreme Court being the highest.