Checks and Balances

Separation of Powers

The Constitution created a separation of powers.

Spread out government power between 3 branches.

Created to make sure government did not become too powerful (like a monarchy).

3 Branches of Government

Legislative: Make the Laws

Executive: Enforce the Laws

Judicial: Judge the Laws

Checks and Balances

The national government is split into branches

Each branch can check and balance the power of the other branches

Checks and Balances: Legislative

Can change the Constitution

Can impeach (remove) Supreme Court justices

Can pass laws without president’s approval

Can impeach (remove) the president

Checks and Balances: Executive

Can veto (refuse to approve) laws

Can pick Supreme Court justices

Checks and Balances: Judicial

Can declare laws unconstitutional

Can declare actions of the president unconstitutional

Checks and Balances Worksheet

Work in partners to complete the worksheet

You will have 20 minutes to complete the assignment together

Use your partner work voices

DUAL SOVEREIGNTY, FEDERALISM, AND MAJORITY RULE

Individual Rights in the Constitution

Federalism

The national government controls the whole country

The states have a right to control themselves too

National government can’t make states do certain things

Enumerated (Federal) Powers

Declare warMaintain armed forcesRegulate interstate and

foreign tradeAdmit new statesEstablish Post OfficesSet standard weights and

measuresCoin moneyEstablish Foreign PolicyMake all laws necessary and

proper for carrying out powers (Elastic Clause).

Reserved (State) Powers

Establish and Maintain Schools

Establish local governments

Set corporate lawsRegulate business within

the stateMake Marriage lawsProvide for public safetyAssume other powers not

given to the federal government nor prohibited to the states.

Shared Powers

Maintain Law and Order

Levy TaxesBorrow MoneyCharter BanksEstablish CourtsProvide for public

welfare

Popular Sovereignty

Constitution is a social contract with the people to create a government

“We the people” begins the Constitution and 6 goals for the government are stated