Three Branches of Government for kids - Shared Power
The US Constitution was designed to prevent a concentration of power in one government office or with one government official which might lead to different forms of the abuse of power. The system of government in the United States is called "Federalism" which consists of a structure of shared power that is divided between federal (national), state and local government. In addition to the national (Federal) government there is also a system for State government in which every state has its own constitution and its own state government again divided into the same three branches of government: Legislative, Executive and Judicial. Three Branches of Government for kids - Checks and Balances
The three branches of Federal and State governments have a system of controls called 'Checks and Balances' to ensure the balance of power is maintained. Each branch has a different function to make, enforce and interpret laws according to the Constitution. Three Branches of Government for kids - The Constitution
The three branches of government are governed by the laws and all decisions and actions are based on the law which applies equally to everyone. The Constitution is known as the "Supreme Law of the Land" because all government officials, and all US citizens, must uphold the principles and laws of the US Constitution. Three Branches of Government for kids - The Legislative Branch
The system and function of the Legislative Branch of the Government is defined on the following chart: US CONSTITUTION Three Branches of Government for kids - The Legislative Branch Legislative Branch
The US Capitol
Legislative Branch
Congress
Senate & House of Representatives
Agencies
Budgets
Economics
Statistics
Library of Congress The Legislative Branch of Government has the power to make the laws and has the power to pass, repeal (cancel) and amend laws as defined in Article I of the Constitution.
These duties are carried out by the Congress, a two-tier (bicameral) organization that consists of members elected by the people and is divided into the Senate and the House of Representatives. The upper house is another name for the Senate and the lower house is another name for the House of Representatives. The US Capitol building houses the Congress.
There are 100 senators in the U.S. Senate (two Senators for every state) who are elected every six years. There are currently 435 members of the House of Representatives (the number of representatives depends on how many people live in that state). Members of the House are elected every two years.
The Legislative Branch is helped by various agencies (organizations) and are assisted by congressional staff. The Congressional Budget Office consists of people who are experts in statistics and economics who are able to advise on government budgets (financial plans). The Legislative Branch also has responsibilities for research facilities such as the Library of Congress and for keeping safe historical US documents. Three Branches of Government for kids - The Legislative Branch Three Branches of Government for kids - The Judicial Branch
The system and function of the Judicial Branch of the Government is defined on the following chart:US CONSTITUTION Three Branches of Government for kids - The Judicial Branch Judicial Branch
The Supreme Court
Judicial Branch
Supreme Court
Lower Courts
State Courts
Tax Court
Circuit Courts of Appeal The Judicial Branch of Government (the courts and judges) has the power to interpret the law and to provide a mechanism for the resolution of disputes as defined in Article III of the Constitution.
The Judicial Branch consists of the Supreme Court and the Lower Courts.
There are nine judges (called justices) on the Supreme Court, who are chosen by the President and approved by the Senate. The nine judges consist of one chief justice and eight associate justices. The Supreme Court is responsible for examining laws and government actions to ensure they do not violate the Principles of the Constitution.
The Lower Courts apply the law to criminal and civil cases. There are currently 94 district courts. The state courts use their own state laws. State Laws can vary between states which is why some can impose the use of the death penalty, whilst others cannot. All laws must adhere to the US Constitution. The Lower Courts also include those that specialize in tax cases and deal with appeals. Three Branches of Government for kids - The Legislative Branch Three Branches of Government for kids - The Executive Branch
The system and function of the Executive Branch of the Government is defined on the following chart:US CONSTITUTION Three Branches of Government for kids - The Executive Branch Executive Branch
The White House
Executive Branch
President
Vice President
Executive Office of President
Cabinet
Independent Agencies
Post Office, CIA,
Environment Protection Agency The Executive Branch of Government (Administration, headed by the President) is responsible for the daily administration of the government and enforcing the law of the land as defined in Article II of the Constitution. The President and his Vice President are elected by the people every four years and have offices in the White House.
The President has many duties. He is Commander-in-Chief of the armed forces and has the power to declare war, agree treaties, establish the armed forces and regulate foreign trade.
The President is assisted by official advisers he has appointed to head executive departments of government. The chief advisors of the President are collectively known as the Presidential Cabinet.
The Executive Office of the President (EOP) consists of the immediate staff of the current President and support staff, including policy experts in various fields, implement presidential policies and programs. The National Security Council (NSC) advises the president on national security and foreign policy matters. The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) formulates the budget
The Executive Branch is helped by various independent agencies (organizations) such as the Post Office, the CIA and the Environment Protection Agency. Three Branches of Government for kids - The Executive Branch Three Branches of Government for kids
The Three Branches of Government for kids provides a fast overview of the US Government. The following Presidents of the USA video provides a useful educational resource for kids, children and schools. | 
