GED® Social Studies: Full-Length Practice Exam (Level 1 - Foundational) › 2. Reading Sources & Civics Basics
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2. Reading Sources & Civics Basics

GED® Social Studies: Full-Length Practice Exam (Level 1 - Foundational) · preview lesson

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Most points come from reading a source carefully and knowing a few civics essentials.

  • Use the source. Read the title, the labels, the dates, and the author of any document, map, or chart before answering.
  • The three branches: the legislative branch (Congress) makes laws, the executive branch (the President) enforces them, and the judicial branch (the courts) interprets them.
  • Checks and balances let each branch limit the others, so no one branch grows too powerful.
  • Point of view. A speech or political cartoon usually has a purpose -- ask what side it is taking.
The Three Branches of Government Checks & Balances each branch limits the others Executive President enforces the laws Legislative Congress (House + Senate) makes the laws Judicial the Courts interpret the laws
The three branches of the U.S. government and their separate powers.
Quick Check

Which branch of government enforces the laws -- legislative, executive, or judicial?

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