The Three Branches of Government

Bicameral legislature Strong executive with bureaucracy What kind of government did the Constitution establish? Bicameral legislature Strong executive with bureaucracy Minimal federal court system Checks and balances (built in conflict) 2 hump camel

The Legislative Branch 1st Branch The Legislative Branch

Historical Perspective Legislative Branch Historical Perspective The “Founding Fathers” Expected the legislative branch to be dominant. Feared a legislature with too much power. but

Legislative Branch Solution The Enumerated Powers Congress only has those powers specifically given to it by the Constitution. Article I, Section 8, #1-18 The Enumerated Powers

The Elastic Clause Enumerated Power #18 Stretch Power Gives Congress the power to make all laws that are “necessary and proper” to carry out the other powers. Stretch Power

Congress Then and Now The first Congress The House introduced only 5 bills. Senate introduced only 26 bills. Today, more than 10,000 bills are introduced every year.

2nd Branch The Executive Branch

The Executive Branch The President Vague but broad Constitutional Powers Head of the Executive Branch Article II, Sections 2 & 3 The President

Powers of the President Commander in chief Appoints heads of departments Pardons Make treaties Appoints ambassadors, judges, etc. Can give messages to Congress (including State of the Union) Can call special sessions of Congress Commissions military officers Faithfully executes laws

3rd Branch The Judicial Branch

The Judicial Branch “Founding Fathers” thought it would be weakest branch. Every court can only “hear” certain types of cases (“jurisdiction”).

Federal Courts Federal Courts’ Jurisdiction Examples Treaties with foreign nations Interpretations of the Constitution Maritime law Bankruptcy

Shared Power and Conflict The three branches of government must work together. The relationship between the branches is sometimes difficult.

Shared Power The President and Congress must work together. The President often “proposes” laws or programs. Congress develops bills and appropriates money for President’s ideas. The President implements the laws.

Conflict The growing power of the President has usually been at the expense of the Congress. President and Congress may disagree on legislation.