The Three Branches of Government
The Three Branches of Government is a Grade 5 civics skill from Pengi Social Studies. Students learn about the legislative (Congress), executive (President), and judicial (Supreme Court) branches of the U.S. government, their separate powers, and how they work together to govern the country.
Key Concepts
To further limit power, the Constitution separates the government into three distinct branches.
The Legislative Branch (Congress) makes the laws. The Executive Branch (President) enforces the laws. The Judicial Branch (Supreme Court) interprets the laws.
This structure, known as Separation of Powers , ensures that no single person or group can do everything.
Common Questions
What are the three branches of the U.S. government?
The three branches are the legislative branch (Congress, which makes laws), the executive branch (President, which enforces laws), and the judicial branch (Supreme Court, which interprets laws).
What does the legislative branch do?
Congress, made up of the Senate and House of Representatives, is responsible for making federal laws and controlling the federal budget.
What does the executive branch do?
The President and the executive branch enforce and carry out laws, command the military, and conduct foreign policy.
What does the judicial branch do?
The Supreme Court and federal courts interpret laws and the Constitution, deciding if laws are constitutional.
What grade covers the three branches of government?
The three branches of government are a core Grade 5 civics topic.