1. Unit 2: The Constitution A System of Checks and Balances
Hey I’m Watching You!
Unit 2: The Constitution
A System of Checks and Balances

2. Division of Powers Federalism-
System of Gov’t in which power is divided
Division of powers
National vs. State

3. Federal System

4. System of Checks and Balances
Government is split into three branches.
Legislative
Executive
Judicial
Is anyone more powerful than the other?

5. Insurance from anyone becoming to powerful.
Congress writes laws
President can veto (say no)
Congress can over ride veto with 2/3 majority
Supreme Court – judicial review – can say law is unconstitutional

6. Checks on Executive
Over Ride Veto
Approve Funding
Impeach President
Confirms Federal Appointments
Checks on Judicial
Establishes lower courts
Confirms/ rejects judges
Impeach Judges
Legislative Branch
Executive Branch
Judicial Branch
Checks on Legislative
Veto Bills
Call special sessions.
Influence public opinion
Propose legislation
Checks on Judicial
Appoints judges
Power to Pardon
Checks on Executive
Appointed for life
Can declare acts unconstitutional
Checks on Legislative
Decide meaning of law.
Can declare acts unconstitutional

7. The Electoral College Each state gets a certain number of electors.
Senators+ House Reps= Electors.
>270
How should it be determined who gets to vote?
Fearful of the uneducated
What happens if no one gets a majority?
1800 and 1824

8. Has it become outdated?
Who do you think won?

9. Take a closer Look

10. How much does your vote count for?

11. Swing States 2012

12. Swing States