1. AIM: Are the separation of powers within the government effective?

3. Legislative Branch (Article 1)
Congress
Makes the laws
Approves/disapproves treaties
Approves presidential appointments
Declares war
Impeaches officials (president)
Can propose amendments
Can overrule presidential veto

4. Executive Branch (Article 2)
Enforces the laws
Can veto laws
Grant pardons
Can propose bills (laws)
Appoints Supreme Court Judges
Enforces laws and treaties
Commander in Chief of the Army

5. The Judicial Branch (Article 3)
Interprets or explains the laws
Can declare acts of Congress/President unconstitutional (Judicial Review)
Settles legal disputes among states/Federal government and states
Protects people’s freedoms guaranteed in the Constitution

6. Thinking about the Separation of powers:
Discuss 3 pros and 3 cons to the separation of powers.
Do you feel that one branch has more power than any other? Explain.
Why was this system of Checks and Balances necessary at this point?