SSCG 4 SSCG4 Demonstrate knowledge of the organization and powers of the national government.

Checks and Balances a. Describe the structure, powers, and limitations of the legislative, executive, and judicial branches, as described in the Constitution. b. Analyze the relationship between the three branches in a system of checks and balances and separation of powers

legislative, executive, and judicial branches,

The white house.

Executive Branch-- POWERS The president of the United States has the power to execute and enforce the laws enacted by Congress and to make appointments to federal agencies subject to Senate approval. The president can also sign bills into law, veto them or send them back to Congress requesting amendments or alterations.

Presidential Powers continued As commander in chief, the president has the power to conduct diplomacy with foreign nations and to negotiate and sign treaties subject to Senate ratification. Additionally, the president can issue pardons for federal crimes.

The capital building- congress

Limitations on congress frequent elections: Members of Congress face a limitation of power based on the need to run for re-election. Those serving in the House Representatives have elections every two years. Meanwhile, Senators serve six-year terms. In both cases, the voters hold members accountable for actions in the previous term. The possibility of losing an election can prevent members of Congress from taking political stances at odds with public opinion.

Commander in Chief Though the Constitution provides Congress with the power to declare war, the same document allocates the responsibility for leading the war to the president. As commander in chief, the president is the head of the American military. In theory, once Congress declares war, the president then assumes the duty of leading the troops. In fact, Congress’ role, since 1942, the last time the nation officially declared war, has become even further limited. Presidents have assumed the authority to send troops into combat prior to Congressional approval and without an official declaration of war.

Judicial Review Congress is the legislative branch, responsible for drafting laws for the nation. Nevertheless, the Supreme Court has the power to strike down any of these laws that conflict, in its opinion, with the nature of the federal Constitution. Known as judicial review, this ability of the Supreme Court to declare laws unconstitutional is not an explicit duty mentioned in the Constitution. The Supreme Court assumed the power in the case of Marbury vs. Madison (1803), and has since been the final decision maker within the government on what the Constitution means.

Article I, Section 9 The founders placed three explicit limitations on Congress within the Constitution in Article 1, Section 9. The first prevents Congress from passing laws ex post facto, which means after the fact in Latin. This provision protects people from prosecution for actions that were not crimes when committed. Secondly, the Constitution denies Congress the ability to pass bills of attainder. These bills would allow the government to prosecute criminals in special tribunals. The founders wanted to ensure that citizens face criminal charges only in regular courts.

Last, Congress cannot suspend the writ of habeas corpus, a legal term requiring police to bring defendants before a judge, except during a national emergency, such as war. Instead, people have the right to stand before a judge and learn the criminal charges they face, so they can mount a defense.

Supreme court

JUDICIAL BRANCH The Judicial Branch has a few limitations put on their powers. First, the president chooses the justices he wants in the supreme court. Next, the congress is allowed to shape and mold the Judicial Branch as stated in Article 3, section 1 of the Constitution. “The judicial Power of the United States, shall be vested in one supreme Court, and in such inferior Courts as the Congress may from time to time ordain and establish."

Crash Course Checks and Balances and Separation of powers https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0bf3 CwYCxXw