1. Understanding the Constitution
United States History 8
Unit 2, Chapter 6, Section 1

2. Main Idea
The U.S. Constitution balances the powers of the federal government among the legislative, executive, and judicial branches

3. Separation of Powers Legislative Branch (Congress)
Executive Branch (President)
Judicial Branch (Supreme Court)
writes the laws
confirms presidential appointments
approves treaties
grants money
declares war
proposes laws
administers the laws
commands armed forces
appoints ambassadors and other officials
makes treaties
interprets the constitution and other laws
reviews lower-court decisions

4. checks and balances Legislative Branch (Congress)
Executive Branch (President)
Judicial Branch (Supreme Court)
checks on:
Executive Branch-
-may reject appointments
-may reject treaties
-may withhold funding for presidential initiatives
-may impeach president
-may override a veto
Judicial Branch-
-may propose constitutional amendments to overrule judicial decisions
-may impeach Supreme Court justices
checks on:
Legislative Branch-
-may adjourn congress in certain situations
-may veto bills
Judicial Branch-
-appoints judges
checks on:
Executive Branch-
-may declare executive actions unconstitutional
Legislative Branch-
-may declare laws unconstitutional

5. James Madison lived 1751-1836 from Montpelier, Virginia
known as the Father of the Constitution, he helped create the foundations of the U.S. government
1780: serves in Continental Congress
: helps write the Federalist Papers urging support for the Constitution
: serves as Secretary of State under President Thomas Jefferson
: serves 2 terms as president, and during War of 1812