1. 1 APK: What is the job of the Legislative Branch? What is the job of the Judicial Branch? What is the job of the Executive Branch? Today, we will see how these 3 branches work together and against each other. Concept Development Checks and balances are obstacles built into the Constitution so that no one group in the government can grow too powerful. This is achieved by each branch of government checking the other branches. Examples: The Supreme Court can declare any law unconstitutional*. This is an example of the Judicial branch checking the legislative branch. The Congress can impeach the President. LO: We will describe how the 3 branches of government work together and against each other in a system of checks and balances. Unconstitutional: against the rules in the Constitution, which means it cannot continue to be a law. Check: to limit the power of another branch of government, not to check to see if they are ok. Pair-Share In the second example, which branch is checking the power of the Executive branch? impeach: remove from their job; kick out of office for committing a crime. No, no! You can’t do that!

2. 2 Congress can impeach* the president. President calls special sessions of Congress. Supreme Court can declare executive (President’s) actions unconstitutional. President nominates*Supreme Court justices. Congress can override* vetoes. Congress can impeach* federal judges. Congress approves* Supreme Court justices. Skill Development/ Guided Practice Here are some other checks and balances. Terms you may need to know are listed below : impeach: remove from their job; kick out of office for committing a crime. nominate: suggest for the job approve: ok for the job veto: stop the bill from becoming a law override: pass anyway Look at the power closely. Determine where it belongs on the chart. The arrows represent one branch of government limiting (checking and balancing) the power of another branch. Determine in each scenario which branch of government is checking and which branch is being check. Write it into the appropriate arrow. Be ready to explain your reasoning.

3. 3 Independent Practice: Give an example from the previous page for each of the following. Be sure to use complete sentences. How does the Legislative Branch check the Executive branch?_______________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________. How does the Legislative Branch check the Judicial Branch?_______________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________. How does the Judicial Branch check the Executive Branch?_______________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________. How does the Judicial Branch check the Legislative Branch?_______________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________. How does the Executive Branch check the Legislative Branch?_______________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________. How does the Executive Branch check the Judicial Branch?_______________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________. Check: to limit the power of another branch of government, not to check to see if they are ok.