Understanding the U.S. Government Structure

The video explains the separation of powers in the U.S. government, designed by the Founders to prevent any one person from gaining too much control. It details the three branches: legislative, executive, and judicial. The legislative branch, or Congress, makes laws and is divided into the Senate and House of Representatives. The executive branch, led by the President, enforces laws and oversees federal agencies. The judicial branch, including the Supreme Court, interprets laws and ensures they align with the Constitution. This system of checks and balances ensures each branch limits the others' powers, maintaining a balanced government.

What was the main reason the Founders of the United States used the idea of "separation of powers" when writing the constitution?

• To make the government more complex

• To increase the power of the government

• To ensure the President has absolute power

• To prevent any one person from having too much control

Which two chambers make up the U.S. Congress?

• The Senate and the House of Representatives

• The House of Commons and the House of Lords

• The Executive and Judicial branches

• The Supreme Court and the Senate

What is the primary role of the legislative branch?

• To make new laws

• To interpret laws

• To negotiate treaties

• To enforce laws

How many members are there in the U.S. Senate?

• 100

• 435

• 50

• 200

What is one of the President's primary responsibilities?

• To declare war

• To enforce laws

• To interpret laws

• To make laws

Which article of the Constitution outlines the powers of the executive branch?

• Article 1

• Article 2

• Article 4

• Article 3

What is the role of the judicial branch?

• To make laws

• To enforce laws

• To interpret laws

• To negotiate treaties

How many justices are on the Supreme Court?

• Seven

• Nine

• Eleven

• Thirteen

Which article of the Constitution describes the judicial branch?

• Article 4

• Article 3

• Article 2

• Article 1

Why is the separation of powers important?

• It allows one branch to control the others

• It prevents any one person from gaining too much power

• It makes the government less efficient

• It ensures the President has more power