Chapter 9 Section 4

The Constitution

 The Constitution has endured for more than 200 years because it is flexible. It’s powers are stated in broad terms rather than detailed terms, and it can be amended.  Elastic clause- the broad power given to the Constitution because it could be stretched to fit changing needs over time.  Popular sovereignty-letting the people rule

Elastic Clause

Popular Sovereignty

Federalism  Federalism- the division of power between the states and national government Powers of National Government: -maintain army and navy -declare war -coin money -regulate trade between states and with foreign nations -make all laws necessary for carrying out delegated powers

Federalism  Shared Powers ( National and State): -enforce laws -establish courts -borrow money -protect the health and safety of the people -build roads -collect taxes

Federalism  Powers of the State Government -conduct elections -establish schools -regulate business within the state -establish local government -regulate marriages -assume other powers not given to the national government or denied to the state

Federalism

Separation of Powers  Only Congress makes the laws, only the executive branch enforces them, and only the courts have the final say in interpreting them. As a result no one branch of government can become too powerful  Separation of powers-the division of power between the three branches of government

Separation of Powers

Checks and Balances  The President can check the lawmaking power of Congress by vetoing-refusing to approve-a law he thinks unwise or unfair. Congress can check the President’s veto power by overriding a veto with two-thirds vote of both houses. The Supreme Court can check both the power of the President and the Congress by declaring their actions unconstitutional.  Checks and balances- the system by which each branch of government can limit the power of the other two.

Checks and Balances