Chapter 3 Section 2 “The Three Branches of Government” Name March 1, 2012

Warm up Are there any similarities or differences between our modern Presidents and that of a Monarch?

Article 2: Section 3 “He shall from time to time, give the Congress information of the state of the Union and recommend to their consideration such measures as he shall judge necessary and expedient” Since the advent of the television, the “State of the Union” address has been watched by millions.

Name Date March 1, 2012 Define 3 Key Terms (Pg 68 or 75): 1)2)3)

I. The Legislative Branch (Article 1) A) Congress = House of Representatives (435 members) (435 members) + the Senate (100 members) B) Congress today handles a much greater B) Congress today handles a much greater # of bills (proposed laws) than before # of bills (proposed laws) than before

The Legislature’s Powers Expressed Power: Power directly (explicitly) stated by the constitution. Elastic Clause: Gives Congress the power to make all laws “necessary and proper.” * Called ELASTIC because it allows Congress to “stretch” its powers to meet situations the to “stretch” its powers to meet situations the Founders could not anticipate in the 18 th cent. Founders could not anticipate in the 18 th cent.

II. The Executive Branch (Article 2) A) The President is the head of the Executive Branch, and has vague Constitutional Powers Some Specified Powers: - Commander in Chief of the military - Appoints heads of the Executive Dept. - Makes treaties with other nations - Can grant pardons/stays of execution, etc. - Appoints U.S. Ambassadors abroad - Gives the “State of the Union” address

B) Modern Presidents have every minute accounted for during the day. They have planners, speech writers, and numerous assistants to help them. accounted for during the day. They have planners, speech writers, and numerous assistants to help them. THENNOW George Washington President Barack Obama

III. The Judicial Branch (Article 3) A) Two system of Courts 1) Federal Courts (up to the Supreme Court) Powers come from the constitution and from Powers come from the constitution and from Federal Laws Federal Laws *Supreme Court rulings on constitutional issues can only be overturned by amendments to the Constitution

2) State Courts Powers come from state constitutions and state laws * Each court has the authority to hear only certain kinds of cases.

Questions to Answer Understanding Concepts (p.68) What is the chief function of each of the three branches of the Federal Government? Page 75: Section 2 Assessment #4#5#6