1. Checks and Balances
Unit 7

2. Founding Father’s Wisdom
Based on the Roman Republic
No one branch of government should become too powerful.
If it does, its power will be checked by the other branches.
This creates a balance of power between the 3 Branches
No one branch of government can make decisions on its own, without the help or consent of the other 3 Brnches
The US Government was built to be dysfunctional.
An efficient form of government is a dictatorship

4. Who has the Power? Who Checks that Power?
Homeland Security officials have been ordered to open suspicious packages they believe might be from terrorists.
Congress could cut funding
Judicial Branch could declare it unconstitutional if a citizen complained
A bill was recently passed to allow citizens to choose their own health care plan under Medicare.
The President could veto the bill
The United States has signed a peace treaty with Iran
The Senate has to approve treaties
A law recently passed in a state legislature banning gay marriages is being
Congress could adopt a Constitutional Amendment
The President could appoint judges more favorable to a cause
A bill is passed outlawing American citizens from making contributions to charitable organizations from the Middle East.
The President could veto the law
The Judicial Branch could declare it unconstitutional if a citizen complained

5. Who has the Power? Who checks that Power?
A replacement for the Attorney General has been given to Congress.
The Senate accepts or rejects cabinet member appointments
A recent law closing a tax reduction for US companies establishing offshore operations is ruled constitutional.
Congress can rewrite the law
Congress could start the process for a constitutional amendment
A recent bill to increase funding for education was passed over the president’s rejection of the bill.
President can use the “bully pulpit” to get the citizens to put pressure on congress to change their mind
The Supreme Court can rule it unconstitutional if a citizen complains
A health care insurance company has been ordered to pay for additional treatment requested by a patient.
The company could urge congress to rewrite the law