Today: Understanding Federalism and The Branches of Government 1/11/16– BR- Federalism: government in which power is divided between , , and ------------------. Separation of powers: Constitutional principle that limits powers vested in any person or individual; division of powers between the ------------------, , and . Today: Understanding Federalism and The Branches of Government

First.. Listen as each group presents their society. Fill out the

Then.. Pick up analysis questions Take notes Complete the analysis questions

Separation of Powers Checks and Balances How do these principles of democracy protect the people?

Separation of Powers Dividing different powers among three branches of government Prevents one branch from gaining too much power Legislative, Judicial, and Executive branches have their own unique powers

Vocabulary Journal #15 Checks and Balances : the constitutional concept that each branch of the government has power to regulate or check the other branches. This idea tries to ensure that now one branch of government will become too powerful

Checks and Balances

Dividing the Federal Government The Founding Fathers believed that the only way to keep the Federal Government from gaining too much power was to divide it into three parts: The Legislature – Makes Laws The Executive – Enforces Laws The Judicial – Interprets Laws

What are Checks and Balances? Checks and Balances were built into the Constitution to ensure that no one branch of government ever became too powerful. It gives each branch of government some power over the others

Legislative vs. Executive Congress can pass new bills President must approve or veto these bills Congress can override presidential vetoes with a 2/3 majority vote The Senate must approve all appointments and treaties President can make treaties and appoint Supreme Court Justices John Roberts (Chief Justice) Congress can impeach and remove president from office

Legislative vs. Judicial The Supreme Court can declare acts of Congress unconstitutional The Senate must approve Supreme Court nominations Congress can impeach and remove federal judges

Executive vs. Judicial The Supreme Court can declare any executive acts unconstitutional The President appoints all Supreme Court Justices Newest Supreme Court Justice: Sonia Sotomayor

Analysis Why is it important to separate the powers of the government? Think about the other principles of democracy…

Checks and Balances Powers each branch has that allows them to check up on the other branches Prevents branches from abusing their powers Preserves the separation of powers Requires cooperation between the branches of government

Legislative Branch (House and Senate) Can override a presidential veto Can impeach and remove the president Ratifies presidential appointments Authorizes/appropriates funds for legislation Checks on the judiciary Can impeach and remove judges Confirms federal judges

Executive Branch (President and Cabinet) Proposes legislation (laws) Vetoes legislation (laws) Makes treaties w/ foreign countries Checks on the judiciary Appoints federal judges Enforces court decisions

Judicial Branch (Supreme Court and Lower Courts) Reviews executive decisions Checks on Congress Reviews congressional laws Judicial Review (executive and legislative) Supreme Court Justices appointed for life

Analysis What are some problems with the checks and balances system? The Constitution is vague in some parts of these powers. How can this cause a problem for each branch? How does this system promote cooperation between the branches of government? Which branch has the most power? Why?

To do: Create a chart like the one I showed that illustrates at least two ways each branch check on the other

Executive Judicial Legislative