Listen -- strange women lying in ponds distributing swords is no basis for a system of government. Supreme executive power derives from a mandate from the masses, not from some farcical aquatic ceremony.

1. An agreement to create a government and follow its laws is known as a a. natural agreement b. constitution c. social contract d. declaration of intent 2. Citizens who put the common good above their own self interests demonstrate a) democracy b) separation of powers c) balance of powers d) civic virtue 3. A constitutional government always includes a) strong executive b) limitation of powers c) a written constitution d) the idea of judicial review 4. A constitution is considered a higher law if it a) must be obeyed by those running the government b) can never be changed c) comes from a divine source d) keeps the government above the people

How can we organize government to prevent the abuse of power? WTP2: L5

Vocabulary bill checks and balances executive branch judicial branch legislative branch separation of powers

How might people organize a government to prevent the abuse of power? Separate the powers of government. Divide the powers btw branches. Balance the powers among the branches of government. Give each branch methods to check the use of power by the other branches.

TPS- Why did the Founders fear the abuse of power? p42 1. What does each quotation mean? 2. What view of human nature did all share? 3. Do you agree or disagree with these views of human nature? Why or why not? 4. If you do agree with these views of human nature, how would you organize our government to protect your rights?

How does separation of powers work? A study of constitutional governments shows that they are often divided into three different groups or branches. This is called separation of powers. For example, we divide our government into the following three branches: legislative branch has the power to make laws executive branch has the power to carry out and enforce laws judicial branch has the power to manage conflicts about the meaning, application, and enforcement of laws.

How does a system of checks and balances work? The phrase checks and balances means that the powers of the different branches of government are balanced. No one branch has so much power that it can completely dominate the others. Although each branch of government has its own special powers, the powers are checked because some powers are shared with the other branches.

Example of Check and Balance The U. S. Supreme Court can check the power of Congress. - declare a law to be in violation of the Constitution and, therefore, invalid.

Another Example The U.S. Supreme Court can declare Executive Orders* to be contrary to the Constitution. Ex. Executive Order 10340 by Truman, overturned in Youngstown Sheet & Tube Co. v. Sawyer, (1952)

Branch/Check Chart Branch of Government Powers Granted by Constitution How are these powers checked by other branches Legislative E: J: Executive L: Judicial

Exit Card Q#1 Dividing the government into different branches is an example of a. federalism b. constitutional government c. separation of powers d. private domain Q#2 The system of checks and balances was established to: a. prevent political parties from being created b. provide government officials with unlimited power c. prevent branches of government from abusing power d. guarantee that people’s rights are never limited