The three branches of government is one of the most heavily tested topics in the civics test. Multiple questions relate to this subject, so a solid understanding can earn you several correct answers in your interview.
Why Three Branches?
The Founding Fathers were deeply wary of concentrated power after their experience under British rule. They designed a system where power is divided among three separate branches of government, each with distinct responsibilities and the ability to check and limit the power of the other two. This system is called the separation of powers and is enforced by checks and balances.
The Legislative Branch: Congress
The legislative branch makes federal laws. It is also called Congress and has two chambers: the Senate (100 members, 2 per state regardless of population, serving 6-year terms) and the House of Representatives (435 members, distributed among states based on population, serving 2-year terms). Both chambers must pass a bill before it can go to the President. The President can veto a bill, but Congress can override a veto with a two-thirds vote in both chambers. Congress also declares war, approves the federal budget, ratifies treaties, and confirms presidential appointments to the Supreme Court.
The Executive Branch: The President
The executive branch carries out and enforces federal laws. It is led by the President, who serves as Commander in Chief of the military, signs or vetoes bills passed by Congress, appoints Supreme Court Justices (with Senate confirmation), and conducts foreign policy. Presidents serve 4-year terms and can serve a maximum of two terms (22nd Amendment, ratified 1951). If the President cannot serve, the Vice President takes over. If both the President and Vice President cannot serve, the Speaker of the House becomes President.
The Judicial Branch: The Supreme Court
The judicial branch evaluates laws and determines whether they are consistent with the Constitution. It is led by the Supreme Court β 9 Justices including one Chief Justice and eight Associate Justices. They are appointed by the President and confirmed by the Senate and serve for life. The current Chief Justice is John G. Roberts, Jr. Below the Supreme Court are federal courts of appeals and district courts. Supreme Court decisions are final and binding on all lower courts.
Checks and Balances
- Congress makes laws, but the President can veto them
- The President vetoes laws, but Congress can override with a two-thirds vote in both chambers
- The President appoints Supreme Court Justices, but the Senate must confirm each appointment
- The Supreme Court can declare laws unconstitutional through judicial review
- Congress can impeach and remove the President or federal judges
Key Numbers to Memorise for the Civics Test
100 Senators total. 435 Representatives total. 9 Supreme Court Justices. Presidential term length: 4 years. Presidential term limit: 2 terms maximum. Senate term length: 6 years. House Representative term length: 2 years. Supreme Court Justices serve for life.