Three Branches: Separate but Equal

The powers of our federal (national) government are divided into three branches: legislative, executive, and judicial. The branches are separate but equal. They each have special responsibilities concerning laws, the principles that govern our nation.

Legislative Branch

Congress: Senate (100 members) and the House of Representatives (435 members)

** Makes Laws **

  • Creates and passes bills (proposed laws)
  • Approves appointments and treaties (agreements) made by the President
  • Sets and collects taxes
  • Coins money
  • Makes rules for trade between states
  • Declares war
    Executive Branch

    The President, Vice President, 14 Cabinet members (heads of 14 executive departments)

    ** Carries Out (Executes) Laws **

  • Signs into law or vetoes (rejects) bills passed by Congress
  • Commands the armed forces
  • Appoints judges, ambassadors, and other federal officials
  • Makes treaties with other countries
  • Receives diplomats from other countries
  • Represents the U.S. at special ceremonies
    Judicial Branch (Supreme Court )

    The Supreme Court (9 justices) and the Lower federal courts

    ** Interprets Laws **

  • Can decide if a law is constitutional
  • Can decide if a Presidential action is constitutional
  • Reviews court cases related to the Constitution and federal laws
  • Reviews cases tried in lower courts

    Adapted from Scholastic Skills Books: Our Nation's Government ("Legislative Branch" and "Judicial Branch" editions).

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      U.S. Government Institutions

      U.S. Government Institutions

      A complete list of the titles in this collection appears below.

      • The Library of Congress
      • Congress
      • Life Inside the Military Academy
      • Serving on a Jury
      • Voting
      • Running for Public Office
      • The Story of the White House
      • Ellis Island
      • National Parks
      • Being a Governor

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      My Senator and Me: A Dog's Eye View of Washington D.C.

      My Senator and Me: A Dog's Eye View of Washington D.C.

      by Senator Edward M. Kennedy and David Small

      There's an old saying: "If you want a friend in Washington, get a dog." A few years ago, Senator Ted Kennedy decided to do just that. Now his beloved Portuguese Water Dog Champion Amigo's Seventh Wave (nicknamed Splash) is the most famous canine on Capitol Hill. Here we follow Senator Kennedy and Splash through a busy day in D.C., from press conferences to meetings with school groups to committee discussions to a floor vote. The result is an exciting, behind-the-scenes look at the life of one of the most energetic figures in American politics -- and, of course, his equally famous owner.

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      My Senator and Me: A Dog's Eye View of Washington D.C.
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