Use this sorting activity to help students identify the specific powers and duties of the executive, legislative, and judicial branches.

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:

Executive Branch

The Executive Branch is responsible for enforcing laws, managing the day-to-day operations of the government, and acting as the head of state. Its primary roles include:
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 significant role in initiating military actions.
3. Vetoes bills: The President can veto legislation passed by Congress.
4. Controls the money: The President oversees the budget and financial policies through the executive branch agencies.
5. Makes foreign policy: The President leads in forming and executing foreign policy, including treaties and diplomatic relations.
6. Enforces laws: The President ensures that laws are carried out by federal agencies.

Legislative Branch

The Legislative Branch is responsible for making laws. It consists of Congress (the Senate and the House of Representatives). Its key functions include:
1. Crafts bills: Congress writes and proposes new laws.
2. Decides if laws are constitutional: While this is primarily a judicial function, Congress can also debate the constitutionality of its own laws during the legislative process.
3. Can impeach the president: Congress has the power to impeach the President and other federal officials.
4. Overturns vetoes to pass bills: If the President vetoes a bill, Congress can override the veto with a two-thirds majority vote in both the House and the Senate.
5. Settles cases between 2 or more states: Congress has the authority to settle disputes between states.

Judicial Branch

The Judicial Branch interprets laws and ensures they are applied fairly. Its main responsibilities include:
1. Interprets laws: The Supreme Court and lower federal courts interpret the meaning of laws and how they should be applied.
2. Decides court cases: The Judicial Branch hears and decides legal cases brought before it.
3. Decides if laws are constitutional: The Supreme Court determines whether laws are consistent with the Constitution through the process of judicial review.
4. Settles cases between 2 or more states: The Supreme Court has original jurisdiction over disputes between states.

Final Answer

Here is how the functions should be categorized:

#### Executive Branch
- directs military
- declares wars
- vetoes bills
- controls the money
- makes foreign policy
- enforces laws

#### Legislative Branch
- crafts bills
- can impeach the president
- overturns vetoes to pass bills
- settles cases between 2 or more states

#### Judicial Branch
- interprets laws
- decides court cases
- decides if laws are constitutional

Explanation

Each branch has distinct powers and responsibilities designed to create a system of checks and balances. By assigning the functions correctly, we ensure that each branch fulfills its role effectively while maintaining the balance of power.

This categorization helps students understand the separation of powers and the specific duties of each branch in the U.S. government.

Final Answer:
\boxed{
\begin{array}{l}
\textbf{Executive Branch:} \\
\text{directs military, declares wars, vetoes bills, controls the money, makes foreign policy, enforces laws} \\
\\
\textbf{Legislative Branch:} \\
\text{crafts bills, can impeach the president, overturns vetoes to pass bills, settles cases between 2 or more states} \\
\\
\textbf{Judicial Branch:} \\
\text{interprets laws, decides court cases, decides if laws are constitutional}
\end{array}
}