48 Unit 1 Foundations of Medical Law and Ethics Copyright Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc. The Constitution of the United States · contains articles and amendments · limits the authority of the government and describes roles for branches of government Legislative Branch · makes laws · has the sole power to declare war · raises taxes · approves the creation of money The Congress (Senate and House of Representatives) · signs and implements laws · vetoes laws · ensures that laws are carried out The President The Vice President Executive Office of the President Executive Branch · justices are appointed by the President with consent of the Senate · decides if laws are constitutional · decides special types of disputes in a system of Federal courts The Supreme Court of the United States Judicial Branch 15 departments The Cabinet · each department responsible for different area of public affairs and operates programs and enforces laws that are in that area Goodheart-Willcox, Inc. Figure 3.5 The structure of the federal government.