Daily Goals Content: Literacy: Social: We will understand the system of checks and balances that keep a balance of power between the 3 branches of government Literacy: We will read in groups to gain background knowledge We will work with Study Buddies to understand the system of checks and balances Social: We will work hard and participate with our Study Buddies and in our groups We will focus conversation into partner, group, and class discussion.

Seven Big Questions U.S. Constitution What other compromises were made? What are the Executive and Judicial Branches? Who signed the Constitution?

Seven Big Questions U.S. Constitution 4. What was the Northwest Ordinance? 5. Who were the Federalists and Anti-federalists?

Seven Big Questions U.S. Constitution 6. How was the Constitution ratified? 7. Why was a Bill of Rights added to the Constitution?

Top 5: The Important Info you need to Know! The Constitution set up three branches of government to limit the power of each branch. With the principle of checks and balances, each branch limits or checks the powers of the other branches.

Top 5: The Important Info you need to Know! 2. The three branches are in competition because they all share powers. Each branch should have an equal amount of power.

Top 5: The Important Info you need to Know! 3. The legislative branch—also known as Congress—can check, or limit the powers of both other branches. Congress can check the executive branch by impeachment which means firing the president. The legislative branch limits the judicial branch because it has to approve judges.

Top 5: The Important Info you need to Know! 4. The executive branch—led by the President—limits the judicial branch by vetoing, or rejecting, a law passed by Congress. The executive branch limits the judicial branch when it appoints, or selects judges.

Top 5: The Important Info you need to Know! 5. The separate branches limit each other through checks and balances. Each branch has equal power. Checks and balances are important because it prevents one branch from getting too much power.