1. Principles of the Constitution

2. Separation of Powers
Idea of dividing the government into three branches
Each has its own duties

3. Legislative Branch-Passes Laws
Can override President’s veto
Can impeach the President and other high officials
Prints and coins money
Declare war
Regulates foreign trade and interstate trade
Approves treaties

4. Executive Branch-Carries out the Laws
Proposes laws
Can veto laws
Negotiates treaties
Commander in Chief of the armed forces
Appoints federal judges and other high officials
Grant pardons

5. Judicial Branch- Interprets the Laws
Can declare laws unconstitutional
Can declare executive actions unconstitutional

6. Checks and Balances
A system of checks and balances safeguards against abuse of power
Each branch of government has the power to check, or limit, the actions of the other two
Guarantees that no branch of government will become too powerful

7. Legislative Branch Checks on Executive Branch
Checks on the Judicial Branch
Override President’s veto
Confirms executive appointments
Ratifies treaties
Can declare war
Appropriates money
Can impeach and remove President
Creates lower federal courts
Can impeach and remove judges
Can propose amendments to overrule judicial decisions
Approves appointments of federal judges

8. Executive Branch Checks on Legislative Branch
Checks on Judicial Branch
Can propose laws
Can veto laws
Can call special sessions of Congress
Makes appointments
Negotiates foreign treaties
Appoints federal judges
Can grant pardons to federal offenders

9. Judicial Branch Checks on Executive Branch
Checks on Legislative Branch
Can declare executive actions unconstitutional
Can declare acts of Congress unconstitutional