The New Constitution

September 25, 2013 Agenda 1. Explain the responsibilities of the 3 branches of government. 2. How long do members of the House and Senate serve in office? 3. How are powers divided between the federal government and the states?

SEPARATION OF POWERS The powers of the national government are divided among the 3 branches of government –Legislative:Makes the laws –Executive:Carries out the laws –Judicial:Interprets the laws

Legislative Branch The lawmaking body of the federal government Composed of 2 groups –House of Representatives –Senate

House of Representatives Also known as the “Lower House” or the “House” Members are elected every 2 years Number of members per state is determined by population –435 total members –Number is recalculated every ten years following the census (population count) –The 3/5 Compromise solved how to count slaves in state’s population All spending bills must begin in the House

Senate Also known as the “Upper House” Members elected every 6 years –Originally chosen by state governments –Now chosen by voters Representation is equal for all states –2 senators per state (100 senators) –Ensures all states have equal power Has powers not granted to the House –Holds impeachment trial –Approves treaties with foreign nations –Approves presidential appointments

Elastic Clause (The power) “to make all laws which shall be necessary and proper for carrying into execution the foregoing powers” Meaning: allows Congress to make laws and take actions to carry out its responsibilities.

FEDERALISM FEDERALISM: division of the government powers between the states and national government –Delegated: Powers given to the national government ONLY. (declaring war) –Reserved: Powers granted to the states (education) –Concurrent: Powers shared by both levels of government (making laws)

The Executive Branch: President and Cabinet Chief Executive: Leader of the nation 1.Enforces the law 2.Issues Executive Orders 3.Appoint and Remove Officials Chief Diplomat: Works with foreign leaders 1.Makes treaties with foreign nations 2.Power of Recognition Chief Legislator: Works with Congress 1. May Recommend Legislation 2. May Veto Bills 3. May allow bills to become law with or without signature

Executive Branch Vocabulary Line-item veto: may approve some parts and veto other parts of spending bills Pocket veto: let a bill die without signing it before Congress adjourns Reprieve: postpone the execution of a sentence Pardon: legal forgiveness for a crime Commutation: the power to reduce the length of a sentence or the amount of a fine Amnesty: a general pardon granted to a group of violators Clemency: leniency or mercy used in cases of federal offense