Fahari 8th Grade Social Studies Checks and Balances Fahari 8th Grade Social Studies
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