Separation of Powers The Constitution provides for separation of powers among the legislative, executive, and judicial branches. Each has its own jobs to do. A system of Checks and balances,: the process by which each branch of government has some powers over the others guarantees that no branch of government will become too powerful.

Powers of The Legislative Branch The powers granted Congress are expressed in Article I, Section 8. These expressed powers are directly stated in the Constitution. “the Expressed Powers” They are also called the “enumerated powers” because, well they are numbered – hence “enumerated”. Also called clauses. There are 18 clauses

Powers of The Legislative Branch These clauses specifically say what the congress can do, such as: Levy taxes, borrow money, coin money, declare war, raise & support armed forces, organize a militia, etc. Naturalizing citizens, establishing courts, etc. The 18th power is called the “Elastic Clause” which gives Congress the right to make all laws “necessary and proper” to carry out the other 17.

Executive Branch The Founders recognized the need for a strong executive and granted the president broad but vaguely described powers. These include: Fire officials of the Exec. Branch Make agreements with other countries Take emergency measures to save the nation

Executive Branch Article II, Sections 2 and 3 describe the specific powers of the president. The President: is commander-in-chief of the armed forces; with the Senate’s consent, appoints ambassadors, judges, and other officials; makes treaties with the consent of the Senate;

Executive Branch The President: calls Congress into special session, if necessary; meets with foreign officials; ensures that the laws of Congress are faithfully executed.

The Judicial Branch Article III calls for a Supreme Court and any lower courts Congress may establish. The Constitution gives federal courts jurisdiction, or authority, over cases involving United States laws, treaties, interpretations of the Constitution, and the law of the sea. State courts have jurisdiction in other kinds of cases.

Membership of the House Members must be at least 25 years old, citizens for at least 7 years, and residents of the states they represent. B. Members serve for 2-year terms. C. The number of representatives from each state is determined by the census population count every 10 years. D. State legislatures set up congressional districts after the census count, with one representative from each district.

Membership of the Senate Senators must be at least 30 years old, citizens for at least 9 years, and residents of the states they represent. Senators serve for 6-year terms; one-third are elected every two years. C. Each state elects two senators.

Membership of the Senate The Senate and the House set their members’ salaries; members receive numerous benefits, allowances for office staffs and business trips, tax breaks for maintaining two residences, and pensions when they retire. Both House and Senate members enjoy immunity from arrest, in cases not involving a felony or treason, or being sued for libel when Congress is in session. Both the Senate and House may refuse to seat a member and may censure or even expel members

The Members of Congress Nearly half the members of Congress are lawyers. White, middle-aged male members are increasingly joined by members reflecting the ethnic, racial, and gender makeup of the general population. Most incumbent members of Congress win reelection to office because they are well known, find it easier to raise campaign money, and often represent districts gerrymandered in favor of their parties. In the 1990s, incumbents came under heavy criticism from the public, resulting in the greatest turnabout in the membership in 50 years.