The Three Branches of Government

Grade 3 · Social Studies · Study Guide

Discover how the United States government is divided into three branches, each with its own important job.

The United States government is divided into three branches. This system was created so that no single person or group has too much power. This balance is called the separation of powers, and each branch checks on the others.

The Legislative Branch is Congress, which is made up of two parts: the Senate and the House of Representatives. Congress makes the laws for the country. Citizens vote for their representatives in Congress.

The Executive Branch is led by the President. The President's job is to carry out and enforce the laws that Congress makes. The President also leads the military and works with other countries. The Vice President helps the President.

The Judicial Branch is made up of the courts, including the Supreme Court, which is the highest court in the land. The courts decide if laws follow the rules of the Constitution. The Supreme Court has nine judges called justices.

This system is called checks and balances. Each branch can review or limit what the other branches do. For example, Congress makes laws, but the President can veto (reject) them. The Supreme Court can decide if a law goes against the Constitution.

Key terms

legislative branch
The branch of government that makes laws; made up of Congress (Senate and House of Representatives)
executive branch
The branch of government that carries out and enforces laws; led by the President
judicial branch
The branch of government made up of courts that interpret laws; includes the Supreme Court
checks and balances
A system that allows each branch of government to limit the power of the other branches
veto
The power of the President to reject a law passed by Congress
Supreme Court
The highest court in the United States, which decides if laws follow the Constitution

Flashcards

legislative branch
Makes laws; Congress — Senate + House of Representatives
executive branch
Carries out laws; led by the President
judicial branch
Interprets laws; includes the Supreme Court
Congress
The legislative body made up of the Senate and House of Representatives
President
The leader of the Executive Branch
Supreme Court
The highest court in the United States
veto
The President's power to reject a law from Congress
checks and balances
A system where each branch limits the others' power

Questions

  1. Which branch of government makes the laws?

    1. Executive branch
    2. Judicial branch
    3. Legislative branch
    4. Presidential branch
    Show answer

    Answer: Legislative branch

    The Legislative Branch (Congress) is responsible for writing and passing laws in the United States.

  2. The President leads the Executive Branch of government.

    Show answer

    Answer: True

    The President heads the Executive Branch, which enforces and carries out the laws made by Congress.

  3. The highest court in the United States is called the ________ Court.

    Show answer

    Answer: supreme

    The Supreme Court is the highest court in the nation and has the final say on whether laws follow the Constitution.

  4. What does it mean when the President uses a veto?

    1. The President signs a law to make it official
    2. The President rejects a law passed by Congress
    3. The President asks the Supreme Court for help
    4. The President makes a new law
    Show answer

    Answer: The President rejects a law passed by Congress

    A presidential veto is the rejection of a bill passed by Congress, preventing it from becoming law.

  5. The system of checks and balances means one branch of government has all the power.

    Show answer

    Answer: False

    Checks and balances is designed so that NO single branch has all the power — each branch watches and limits the others.

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