1. The coming of the U.S. Constitution

2. In the late 1700’s, American colonists broke away from England

3. American colonists thought their natural rights were being violated by the King of England

4. Tyranny: cruel or oppressive government rule

5. First, Americans set up a government under the ARTICLES OF CONFEDERATION

6. This had a very weak central government. How come?

7. Americans didn’t want to to give government a lot of power for fear of another tyrant.

8. The Articles of Confederation were too weak. America needed a government that was strong but that could be prevented from abusing power.

9. What did they come up with?

10. Separation of Powers: splitting government into different branches

11. Checks and Balances: a system that prevents any one branch of government from becoming too powerful.

12. Impeach: accuse and charge with misconduct

13. Checks and Balances

14. The Executive Branch checks the Judicial Branch by: Appointing federal judges Granting pardons for federal crimes

15. The Executive Branch checks the Legislative Branch by: Vetoing acts of Congress

16. The Legislative Branch checks the Executive Branch by: Override presidential vetoes with a 2/3 vote Can impeach and remove the president

17. The Legislative Branch checks the Judicial Branch by: Refuse judicial appointments Can impeach and remove judges

18. The Judicial Branch checks the Legislative Branch by: Declaring acts of Congress unconstitutional

19. The Judicial Branch checks the Executive Branch by: Declaring acts of the President unconstitutional

20. Based on what we have learned, which would you say is the strongest branch? Why? The weakest branch? Why?