US Government
The United States government is a democracy — the power belongs to the people. The Constitution created three separate branches of government so no one person or group has too much power.
The Three Branches
| Branch | Who | Main Job | Where |
|---|---|---|---|
| Legislative (Congress) | Senate + House of Representatives | Make laws | US Capitol, Washington D.C. |
| Executive | President, Vice President, Cabinet | Carry out laws | White House, Washington D.C. |
| Judicial | Supreme Court + federal courts | Interpret laws | Supreme Court Building |
Checks and Balances
Each branch can limit the power of the others. Congress makes laws → President can veto → Congress can override → Courts can strike down as unconstitutional.
How a Bill Becomes a Law
- A member of Congress proposes a bill (idea for a law)
- The bill is discussed and voted on in both the House and Senate
- If both pass it, the bill goes to the President
- The President signs it → it becomes a law
- Or: President vetoes it → Congress can override with ⅔ vote
The Constitution and Bill of Rights
The Constitution (1787) is the supreme law of the United States. It set up the government structure and can only be changed by an amendment.
The Bill of Rights is the first 10 amendments, ratified in 1791. Key rights:
| Amendment | Right |
|---|---|
| 1st | Freedom of religion, speech, press, assembly, petition |
| 2nd | Right to bear arms |
| 4th | Protection from unreasonable search and seizure |
| 5th | Right to remain silent; no double jeopardy |
| 6th | Right to a speedy trial and a lawyer |
Quick Quiz
Test what you just learned. Choose the best answer for each question.