The U.S. Constitution

Officially approving or accepting, making something legally valid.

9/13 states had to vote to ratify, or accept, the Constitution. New Hampshire was the 9th state to ratify in 1788, making the Constitution the official law of the land.

A group of elected representatives who make, debate, and pass laws.

In the United States, the Legislative Branch is composed of Congress (The House of Representatives and the Senate). It is the part of the government responsible for making laws.

Someone who interprets the laws and administers justice.

In the United States, this refers to the Judicial branch, which contains the court system. The court system decides whether laws are constitutional, settles legal disputes, and interprets laws. The Supreme Court is the highest court in the country.

Carrying out and enforcing laws

In the United States, the executive branch is led by the President of the United States. It enforces the laws passed by Congress, directs the federal government on what to do, and serves as the nation’s military leader (the commander in chief).

A system that gives each branch of government the power to limit or check the powers of the other branches.

In the United States, checks and balances help ensure that no one branch of government becomes too powerful. The Legislative Branch makes laws, can override a presidential veto with enough votes, and can impeach (convict) the president. The Executive Branch can veto (deny) laws passed by the Legislative Branch. The Judicial Branch can determine whether laws or actions taken by the President or Congress are constitutional.