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How to Understand the 3 Branches of Government. To make sure that no ruling body has absolute
power, the Constitution splits government into three branches. Understand both their
independent duties as well as their interactions. You will need Legislative branch Executive
branch Judicial branch and checks and balances. Step 1. Become familiar with the legislative
branch. Congress is split into the Senate and House of Representatives: these 2 bodies
are responsible for writing and passing bills. Every state has 2 senators, while the number
of members per state in the House of Representatives is based on state population. Step 2. Recognize
the powers of the executive branch, which includes the President, Vice President, and
Cabinet. In addition to having veto power on laws passed by Congress, the President
is head of the military and responsible for making treaties with foreign countries. However,
all treaties and declarations of war must be approved by Congress. Step 3. Review the
function of the judicial branch, America's federal court system. The Supreme Court in
charge of establishing lower federal courts, and settling disputes over the application
of federal laws to make sure all laws are constitutional. The 9 justices of the Supreme
Court are appointed by the President but must be approved by Congress. All Supreme Court
justices serve on the Court for life unless they resign, retire, or are removed by Congress.
Step 4. Recognize how the branches interact with and depend on each other. Each branch
can check the power of the other branches so that power is distributed evenly, a system
known as 'checks and balances'. The separation of power as well as this system of checks
and balances is what makes our country run smoothly. Did you know Congress has denied
the President's request to declare war only twice, once in 1815 and once in 1999.