Separation of Powers

Separation of Powers “The Constitutional Convention of 1787 is supposed to have created a government of ‘separated powers’. It did nothing of the sort. Rather, it created a government of separated institutions sharing powers.” - Professor Richard Neustadt, 1960

Separation of Powers

Separate Institutions…Shared Powers Separate Institutions + Shared Powers = Checks and Balances The Founding Fathers set up an intricate system whereby each branch of the federal government would check and balance the other two.

What powers? Article 1 - Powers of the Legislature Article 2 - Powers of the Executive Article 3 - Powers of the Judiciary

EXAM FOCUS Which is the most accurate description of US government; ‘separated powers’ or ‘shared powers’? Start Timer Start Timer 10 Minutes 5 Minutes 10 5 8 4 6 3 15 marks = 15 minutes 4 2 2 1

Checks and Balances Chapter 1, p14-18 - Checks by the executive on the legislature - Checks by the executive on the judiciary - Checks by the legislature on the executive - Checks by the legislature on the judiciary - Checks by the judiciary on the legislature - Checks by the judiciary on the executive

Checks & Balances Checks on… Checks by… The legislature The executive The judiciary Amend/delay/reject legislation Override president’s veto Power of the purse Declare war Ratify treaties (Senate) Investigation Impeachment, trial, conviction and removal from office Impeachment, trial, conviction, removal from office Propose constitutional amendments Recommend legislation Veto legislation Appointment of judges Pardon Judicial Review