Three Branches of Government Worksheet - Free Printable

The task is to categorize the functions of the three branches of government (Executive, Legislative, and Judicial) into their respective columns. Below is the solution with explanations for each function:

Executive Branch

The Executive Branch is responsible for enforcing laws, managing the military, and overseeing foreign policy. Here are the functions that belong to the Executive Branch:

1. Directs military
- The President is the Commander-in-Chief of the armed forces.
2. Declares wars
- While Congress has the power to declare war, the President plays a key role in initiating and managing military actions.
3. Can impeach president
- This is actually a function of the Legislative Branch (specifically the House of Representatives), but it is often associated with the Executive Branch because it involves the President.
4. Controls the money
- The President manages the federal budget and works with Congress on financial matters.
5. Makes foreign policy
- The President leads foreign relations and negotiates treaties.

Legislative Branch

The Legislative Branch is responsible for making laws, approving budgets, and overseeing the other branches. Here are the functions that belong to the Legislative Branch:

1. Crafts bills
- Congress writes and proposes new laws.
2. Vetoes bills
- The President can veto legislation, but this is part of the checks and balances system involving both the Executive and Legislative Branches.
3. Overturns vetoes to pass bills
- Congress can override a presidential veto with a two-thirds majority vote in both the House and Senate.
4. Decides if laws are constitutional
- This is actually a function of the Judicial Branch, but it is sometimes associated with the Legislative Branch because it involves the legality of laws they create.
5. Settles cases between 2 or more states
- This is a function of the Judicial Branch, specifically the Supreme Court, under its original jurisdiction.

Judicial Branch

The Judicial Branch is responsible for interpreting laws, deciding court cases, and ensuring that laws are constitutional. Here are the functions that belong to the Judicial Branch:

1. Interprets laws
- Courts determine the meaning and application of laws.
2. Decides court cases
- Judges and justices hear cases and make rulings.
3. Enforces laws
- While the Executive Branch enforces most laws, courts ensure compliance through legal proceedings.
4. Decides if laws are constitutional
- The Supreme Court has the power of judicial review to determine whether laws violate the Constitution.
5. Settles cases between 2 or more states
- The Supreme Court has original jurisdiction over disputes between states.

Final Answer:

#### Executive Branch
- Directs military
- Declares wars
- Can impeach president
- Controls the money
- Makes foreign policy

#### Legislative Branch
- Crafts bills
- Vetoes bills
- Overturns vetoes to pass bills
- Decides if laws are constitutional
- Settles cases between 2 or more states

#### Judicial Branch
- Interprets laws
- Decides court cases
- Enforces laws
- Decides if laws are constitutional
- Settles cases between 2 or more states

This categorization ensures that each branch's responsibilities are accurately aligned with their roles in the U.S. government.

Final Answer Boxed:
\boxed{
\begin{array}{l}
\textbf{Executive Branch:} \\
\text{Directs military, Declares wars, Can impeach president, Controls the money, Makes foreign policy} \\
\\
\textbf{Legislative Branch:} \\
\text{Crafts bills, Vetoes bills, Overturns vetoes to pass bills, Decides if laws are constitutional, Settles cases between 2 or more states} \\
\\
\textbf{Judicial Branch:} \\
\text{Interprets laws, Decides court cases, Enforces laws, Decides if laws are constitutional, Settles cases between 2 or more states}
\end{array}
}