Name Reading about Social Studies
The U.S. Government
The United States’ national government has three branches, or parts. The
president leads the country, makes sure that people follow the law, and meets with
leaders from other nations. Congress makes laws that apply to people all over the
country. Congress has two parts: the Senate and the House of Representatives.
The Supreme Court is made up of nine judges who review the laws that Congress
passes. Each branch of government has some power over the other two. This
means that no one branch can be too powerful. This system of government has
worked for over 200 years!
- What is the main idea of this story?
a. There are nine judges on the Supreme Court.
b. The national government has worked for 200 years.
c. The U.S. government has three parts that have different powers. - What does the president of the United States do?
- What does Congress do?
- How many judges serve on the Supreme Court?
- Why is it important that no branch be too powerful?
Read the story. Then, answer the questions.