1. Does separation of powers create checks and balances?
Executive
Judicial
Legislative

2. QUESTIONS to Consider ?
What are the three branches of government that share power?
What are the motives of the federal government to separate powers of the branches?
What challenges can you predict the separation of powers can cause?
What alternative government system have you studied that resemble branches of government and balance of powers?
LIST & Predict: Looking at the list predict which branch you think controls that power in government.
Establishes lower court systems
Enforces the Laws
Decides the constitutionality of laws
Regulate interstate Commerce
Passes Federal Laws

3. The WHY of Separation
•Dividing different powers among three branches of government prevents one branch from gaining too much power
•Legislative, Judicial, and Executive branches have their own unique powers
•The powers of each branch allows them to hold the other branches accountable
•Prevents one branches from abusing their powers
•Requires cooperation between the branches of government

4. Legislative Branch
WHO: Congress- House and Senate makes up this branch
WHAT: They can ...
Can impeach and remove the president
Ratifies presidential appointments
Authorizes/appropriates funds for legislation
Checks on the judiciary
Can impeach and remove judges
Confirms federal judges Can override a presidential veto

5. Executive Branch WHO: President and Cabinet WHAT: They can...
Proposes legislation (laws)
Vetoes legislation (laws)
Makes treaties with foreign countries
Checks on the judiciary
Appoints federal judges
Enforces court decisions

6. Judicial Branch WHO: Supreme Court and Lower Courts WHAT: They can...
Reviews executive decisions
Checks on Congress
Reviews congressional laws
Judicial Review (executive and legislative)
Supreme Court Justices appointed for life

8. WHAT can we Do...

10. Points to Ponder and Questions to Consider
What are some problems with the checks and balances system?
The Constitution is vague in some parts of these powers. How can this cause a problem for each branch?
How does this system promote cooperation between the branches of government?
Which branch has the most power? Why?

11. CREATE YOUR OWN... Balance of Power (Pick 1)
Create a balance of power within the grade levels
WHO: 6th, 7th and 8th grades
What: Create the powers that each of these groups would have within your school building
How: Implement check and balances for each group in the school. How can we hold each other accountable?
Create a balance of power within our school.
WHO: Teachers, Students and Administrators
What: Create the powers that each of these groups would have within your school
How: Implement check and balances for each group in the school. How can we hold each other accountable?