1. SEPARATION OF POWERS CHECKS & BALANCES
OBJECTIVE(S):
I will explain how our gov. is limited
by the separation of powers and checks & balances
Key Words
SEPARATION OF POWERS CHECKS & BALANCES
ACTIVITIES:
SEPARATION OF POWERS NOTES
Guiding Questions:
Why is our gov. divided into 3 branches?
How is each branch’s power limited by the others? :

2. Separation of Powers 3 branches
USA GOVERNMENT
Separation of Powers
3 branches

3. SEPARATION OF POWERS
The writers of the Constitution, wanted to form a government that did not allow one person to have too much authority or power.
While under the rule of the British king they learned that this could be a bad system.

4. OFF WITH YOUR HEAD!
Absolute power

5. SEPARATION OF POWERS
With this in mind the writers wrote the Constitution to provide for a separation of powers, or three separate branches of government.
Each has its own powers (responsibilities) to assure that no branch has more power than the others.

6. ENFORCELAWS
INTERPRET LAWS
MAKE LAWS

7. Executive Branch Who: President, Vice President, and Cabinet Powers:
Enforces the laws
Appoints federal judges and Cabinet officers
Vetoes (reject) acts of Congress
Commands the Armed Forces

8. Legislative Branch
Who: House of Representatives and Senate (together they are called the Congress)
Powers:
Makes the laws
Approves appointments of the President
Overrides a veto with 2/3 vote
Impeaches the President

9. Judicial Branch
Who: Justices (the top court is called the Supreme Court)
Powers:
Decides the meaning of laws
Declares laws unconstitutional
Declares Executive acts unconstitutional