Legislative
Makes laws
Congress
- Senate + House
- Writes laws
- Declares war
All study guidesLearn the basics Congress makes a billPresident signs or vetoesCourts can review the law
The three branches
Who writes, enforces, and reviews the laws — and why power is split three ways.
Three branches. Three different jobs.
Executive
Carries out laws
President + departments
- Signs or vetoes bills
- Leads the military
- President: 4-year term
Judicial
Explains laws
Supreme Court + federal courts
- Reviews laws
- Resolves disputes
- Supreme Court: 9 justices
A way to remember
L · E · J
LLegislative → Laws
EExecutive → Enforces
JJudicial → Judges
Enforces means carries out the law. Each branch can limit the others: checks and balances.
Try to remember
Which branch writes federal laws?
A little more detail
Why three branches?
Separation of powers means government power is split among three branches. Checks and balances means each branch can limit the others, so no single branch becomes too powerful.
Legislative — Congress writes the laws
Congress has two parts: the Senate (100 senators, 2 per state, 6-year terms) and the House of Representatives (435 voting members, based on population, 2-year terms). Congress writes laws, declares war, and makes the federal budget.
Executive — the President enforces the laws
The President signs bills into law (or vetoes them), is Commander in Chief of the military, appoints federal judges, and is advised by the Cabinet. Presidents serve 4-year terms, maximum two terms (22nd Amendment).
Judicial — the courts review the laws
The Supreme Court is the highest court, with 9 justices who serve for life so they stay independent of politics. The courts explain laws, resolve disputes, and decide if a law goes against the Constitution.
Memory trick
Legislative = Lawmakers. Executive = Executes (carries out). Judicial = Judges. If the president can't serve, the Vice President becomes president.
Ready to practice?
This guide connects to 27 official questions.
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