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Introduction to Federal and State Court Systems: Branches of Government

Basic Government Structure

Legislative

Article I
Enacts laws
United States Senate
United States House of Representatives

The Legislative Process

Common Legal Resources

Statutes
Bills
Hearings
Committee Reports
Floor Debates

Executive

Article II
Enforces laws
President
Cabinet Members

The Executive Branch

Common Resources

Executive Orders
Proclamations
Administrative Regulations

Judicial

Article III
Interprets laws
United States Supreme Court
Inferior Federal Courts

The Judicial Process

Common Legal Resources

Case Law
Court Rules
Court Orders