Levels and Branches of Government

SS3CG1 The student will explain the importance of the basic principles that provide the foundation of a republican form of government.

a. Explain why in the United States there is a separation of power between branches of government and levels of government.

b. Name the three levels of government (national, state, local) and the three branches in each (executive, legislative, judicial), including the names of the legislative branch (Congress, General Assembly, county commission or city council).

c. State an example of the responsibilities of each level and branch of government.

Essential Questions: (Students will be able to answer by the end of the unit.)

  • What is a republican form of government?
  • An election is a process in which people vote to choose a leader or to decide an issue. The United States is a representative democracy. This means that the country has its adult citizens vote to elect the country’s leaders. These elected leaders make the government decisions.
  • Every four years, the adult citizens of the USA elect a President. The winner of the election is inaugurated as President on January 20th at noon on the steps of the CapitolBuilding on Washington, D.C. The new president will serve for 4 years.
  • If the president is unable to serve, the Vice-President becomes President.
  • Why is there a separation of power between the branches of government?
  • The power of the government is separated between the three branches to prevent any one branch from abusing power. This is called checks and balances. Each branch has its own power and a way to limit the power of the other branches.
  • One way the Constitution protects our rights is by limiting the power of the government. The Constitution does this in two ways. It separates the powers so that each branch has a job to do that no other branch can do. For example, only Congress can make laws.
  • Also, the powers of one branch are balanced by the powers of another branch. One branch has a check, or limit, over another so that power is balanced. The president checks or limits the power of Congress with a veto. The veto is the power of the president to reject a law written by Congress. Congress can override, or cancel, a veto with enough votes.
  • What are the 3 levels of government?
  • National/Federal, State, Local
  • What are the 3 branches of government?
  • Legislative, Executive, Judicial
  • What is the responsibility of each level and branch of government?

Legislative Branch makes laws.

  • Local Government – City Council
  • Georgia Government – General Assembly
  • National Government- Congress

Executive Branch carries out the law.

  • Local Government- Mayor
  • Georgia Government- Governor
  • National Government-President

Judicial Branch interprets the law.

  • Local Government-Local courts
  • GeorgiaGovernment-State Court Judges
  • National Government-Supreme Court