A New Nation: Branches of Government

Georgia Performance Standard SS4H5: The student will analyze the challenges faced by the new nation. c. Identify the three branches of the U.S. government as outlined by the Constitution, describe what they do, how they relate to each other (checks and balances and separation of power), and how they relate to the states.

Articles of Confederation A good place to start, but not a lasting form of government. Let’s Review!

The Constitutional Convention Leaders James Madison, a lawyer from Virginia, is known as the “Father of the Constitution” because he a leading member of the Convention.

The Constitutional Convention Leaders Benjamin Franklin was the oldest delegate at the convention. He urged others to be willing to listen and convinced them that compromise was important in a free society.

The Constitutional Convention Issues Issue debated at the Constitutional Convention included: –States Rights –Fair Representation –Slavery

The Constitutional Convention State Rights federal system of governmentDelegates agreed to create a federal system of government where states would share authority with the national government. States would have authority over their own affairs: –Schools –Local elections The national government would take care of things that would affect the whole country: –Printing money –Forming military

The Constitutional Convention Fair Representation Delegates decided to on a compromise known as The Great Compromise. The congress would be split into two houses. Each state would have equal representation in one house called the Senate. Each sate would be represented according to population in the other house called the House of Representatives.

The Constitutional Convention Slavery three-fifths compromiseA compromise was reached to please everyone called the three-fifths compromise. It was decided that representation in the Congress would be based on the free population added to three-fifths of the slave population. The issue of slavery nearly broke up the convention.

Essential Questions Branches of Government What are the duties of the three branches of government? How does each branch check and balance each other? How does the power of the three branches of government relate to the states?

The Branches of Government Legislative Branch Executive Branch Judicial Branch

Branches of Government three branches of governmentThe three branches of government are called the: –Legislative Branch –Executive Branch –Judicial Branch Each branch depends on the other to work effectively. Each branch has separate, distinct powers that cannot be taken away by either of the two branches.

Branches of Government The Legislative Branch –Headed by Congress (U.S Senate and U.S House of Representatives: Creates and passes laws The Executive Branch –Headed by the president, plus vice president and heads federal agencies: Carries out and enforces laws made by Congress The Judicial Branch –Headed by U.S. Supreme Court, plus district courts, appellate courts: Interprets and applies the law

Branches of Government Having three separate branches of government makes sure that no one branch has more power than the other. Each branch can check the power of the other two, and make sure one does not become too powerful. checks and balancesThis is called checks and balances.

Branches of Government Checks and Balances Legislative Branch may pass a bill, but the executive branch my veto, or say No. The Executive Branch may veto a bill, but Legislative Branch can still pass the bill if there is enough votes. The Judicial Branch can declare laws and executive orders unconstitutional. The Executive Branch may appoint federal judges, but the Legislative Branch has power to approve or reject the Judges.

The Branches of Government Legislative Branch Executive Branch Judicial Branch on

Branches of Government The branches of federal government relate to the states because the state governments are organized the same way. States have a executive, legislative, and judicial branches. The executive branch is headed by the Governor. The Legislative Branch makes laws for the state. The Judicial Branch is made up of state courts.