1. (Notes--Review Questions, p. 40)
We the People, Lesson #5 How can we organize government to prevent the abuse of power?
Learning targets:
Separation of power
Checks & balances
(Notes--Review Questions, p. 40)

2. 1. some power is given to each branch of gov.
SEPARATION OF POWER
(CONSTITUTIONAL PRINCIPLE)
some power is given to each branch of gov.
it IS NOT given to only one branch

3. MANAGE CONFLICTS ABOUT THE MEANING, APPLICATION, & ENFORCEMENT OF LAWS
LEGISLATIVE
(U.S. Congress)
MAKE LAWS 2.
OUR 3 BRANCHES OF
GOV.
EXECUTIVE
(President)
ENFORCE/
CARRY OUT
THE LAW
INTERPRET THE LAW:
MANAGE CONFLICTS ABOUT THE MEANING, APPLICATION, & ENFORCEMENT OF LAWS
JUDICIAL
(U.S. Court System)

4. (Constitutional Principle)
power btwn the branches is balanced- 3.
CHECKS & BALANCES
(Constitutional Principle)
no one branch of gov has enough power to dominate the others
each branch has specific powers & responsibilities
some powers are shared with other branches
Ex: Congress makes laws
2. President has to accept
or veto the new law
3. U.S. Supreme Ct. can
declare the law
unconstitutional

5. 4. Separation & Sharing of Power
means gov can’t reach decisions quickly 4.
Separation &
Sharing of
Power
Advantages:
Makes sure all decisions (new laws, etc.) are in the best interest of the country
new laws can be prevented if one of the branches has concerns about it
Judicial branch manages conflicts between Leg. & Exec. branches

6. means gov can’t reach decisions quickly
4. cont.
Separation &
Sharing of
Power
Disadvantages:
sometimes can take a long time to address issues that are very important to the people
political fighting can lead to GRIDLOCK: a “jam up” in the law making process; no one willing to compromise