Branches of Government

The Three Branches of Government

Our government has three branches of government.  They are the Legislative branch, the Executive branch and the Judicial branch.

 

Learn more about our government.  You will find links to research resources and games!  

Legislative Branch

Congress makes up the legislative branch.  The legislative branch is the lawmaking branch of government.  The House of Representatives and the Senate the two parts of Congress.  The Congress meets in Washington, D.C. at the U.S. Capitol.

Learn more about Congress by visiting Congress for Kids!

Executive Branch

The President and the Vice President are part of the executive branch.  They makes sure that people follow the laws. The President lives in the White House.

See what it would be like to be President for the Day!

Judicial Branch

The judicial branch is made up of courts.  The highest court is called the United States Supreme Court.  It has 9 judges, and meet at the Supreme Court Building in Washington, D.C.

 

Learn more about the judicial branch by visiting Congress for Kids: Judicial Branch.

The Constiution

The Constitution is the highest law of the United States.  It was written in 1787.  It is the design for our U.S. Government and explains the three branches.

 

Learn more about the U.S. Constitution by visiting The Constitution for Kids!

What is a law?

 

A law is a set of rules that we must live by.  If starts as an idea, which is called a bill.  The Senate decides if they should send the bill to the President.  The President can either accept the bill and sign it, or he could reject it and veto the bill.  If the President vetoes the bill, Congress will take another look at it and decide if they should overturn the President's veto.  Watch this video to see you how a law is made.

 

Later, try this link to come up with your own ideas for laws.

Teacher Resource

 

Teachers, search this link to find PowerPoint Presentations on different topics of government.

 

For more information, try also, A Kid's Guide to the Business of the US Government and Civics an Government for Kids: Lessons, Activities, and Guides.

Subject Guide

Online Games

Test your knowledge about the three branches.