3rd Grade Social Studies

Government

Unit 6


Unit 6

Government of the United States of America and of the State of Georgia

Both the government of the U.S.A and Georgia are divided into three main parts:

  • the Judicial System

  • the Executive System

  • the Legislative System

What do these three systems do?

Supreme Court Building, Washington D.C.

Judiciary Branch

The judiciary is the system of courts that interprets and applies law in legal cases. This means that judges tell us what laws mean and if they are allowed by the US Constitution.

The judicial system is most active locally, when citizens file complaints or sue other civilians. At the national level, the Supreme Court can make decisions that impact laws across the country!

Supreme Court Building, Georgia

White House, Washington D.C.

Executive Branch

The executive is the branch of government exercising authority in and holding responsibility for the governance of a state.

The executive executes and enforces law and makes sure that people follow the rules. The Executive Branch includes the President of the United States and the Governor of Georgia.

Governor's Mansion, Georgia

Capitol Building, Washington D.C.

Legislative Branch

The legislative branch is in charge of making laws. It is made up of the US Congress (for the country) and the GA General Assembly. Congress has two parts: the House of Representatives and the Senate. Members of the House of Representatives and the Senate are voted into office by American citizens in each state.

Georgia General Assembly, Georgia

Let's Watch!

Watch these videos to understand the different branches of government.

Judiciary Video

Executive Video

Legislative Video

Government is Tricky...

What can we do as citizens to make our state and country a better place?

We must always:

  • Be kind and respectful of others

  • Obey the Law

  • Stay informed

  • Volunteer, Vote, and Inform others

  • Know your rights as someone living in the United States.