1. The Separation of Powers

2. Separation of Powers- Why?
The framers of the constitution included the separation of powers for one primary reason: to prevent the majority from achieving absolute rule
To this end , three branches of government were created:
Legislative
Executive
Judicial

3. The Branches
The Legislative Branch is made up of Congress: the Senate and House of Representatives
The Executive Branch includes the President, Vice President, and Executive Departments
As part of this separation of powers, each of the three branches have “checks and balances” on the authority of the other two; the power of each branch is limited or”checked” by the other two so none gain too much power

4. The Branches The Judicial Branch
is composed of the federal courts and the Supreme Court

5. What are the Checks and balances ?
The President appoints judges and department heads (secretaries), but these must be approved by the Senate
The Congress passes laws, but the president can veto it, which in turn can be overridden by the congress.

6. What are the Checks and Balances ?
The Supreme court can rule a law unconstitutional, and therefore invalid, however, the congress can amend (change) the constitution

7. Specific powers of each Branch
The executive
veto power, appointment of judges,
make treaties, pardon power
ensure all laws are carried out
President is Commander and Chief of Military
Checks: Legislative can override vetoes, refuse to confirm appointments, reject treaties, declare war, impeach the president, The Judicial can declare executive acts unconstitutional

8. Powers of each branch Powers of the Legislative:
pass all federal laws, establish all lower federal courts, override presidential veto, impeach the president
Checks:
Executive
can veto any bill, call Congress into session,
Judicial
declare laws unconstitutional

9. Powers of each branch Checks Executive: appoints judges
Legislative: can impeach judges, and approves presidential appointments, can amend constitution to overturn judicial decisions
Judicial Powers: try federal cases, interpret laws, declare executive actions and laws unconstitutional

10. Questions for discussion
Which branch is the most powerful ?
Is one branch more powerful than the others ? Explain. Give examples
Why did the framers believe a separation of powers was so important ?