Branches of Government

Our new government will consist of three branches: the Executive Branch, the Judicial Branch, and the Legislative Branch. Each will ensure that no other branch will gain more power or authority than the other. This will provide a strong centralized government with a separation of powers.

The Executive branch is lead by the president. He runs the country and can approve or veto laws that congress creates. He appoints the Supreme Court justices and can make treaties with other countries. This branch also includes the Vice President, the departments, and independent agencies. The Vice President is head of the Senate, and will take the president's place in the event that the president can no longer do his job. The department heads will advise and help the president on issues and help to carry out policies. The independent agencies also help carry out policies and provide specialized services to the president.

The Legislative Branch is made up of Congress and some government agencies. Congress is made up of the Senate and the House of Representatives. The Senate is made up of 2 representatives from each state. The House of Representatives is also made up of representatives from each state, but the number of representatives is based on population. These two law-making bodies are part of the Great Compromise between a bicameral congress (the Virginia Plan) and the idea that each state should receive its own vote (the New Jersey Plan.) Congress is given the power to make laws, as stated in Article 1 of our constitution. However, the president can veto, or reject, any law that congress submits to him. If the president vetoes the bill, the congress must achieve a 2/3 majority in order for it to become a law. Some jobs are limited to only the House, or only the Senate. For example, only the Senate can either grant or deny permission for the president to make treaties. The House, however, has the power to decide whether or not a government official is to be put on trial before the senate in the case of treason, or a crime against the country.

The Judicial branch is made up of the Supreme Courts.