1. Checks and Balances Mr. Blais Foundations of America

2. Dividing the Federal Government The Founding Fathers believed that the only way to keep the Federal Government from gaining too much power was to divide it into three parts: – The Legislature – Makes Laws – The Executive – Enforces Laws – The Judicial – Interprets Laws

3. What are Checks and Balances? Checks and Balances were built into the Constitution to ensure that no one branch of government ever became too powerful. It gives each branch of government some power over the others

4. Legislative vs. Executive Congress can pass new bills President must approve or veto these bills Congress can override presidential vetoes with a 2/3 majority vote President can make treaties and appoint Supreme Court Justices The Senate must approve all appointments and treaties Congress can impeach and remove president from office John Roberts (Chief Justice)

5. Legislative vs. Judicial The Senate must approve Supreme Court nominations The Supreme Court can declare acts of Congress unconstitutional Congress can impeach and remove federal judges

6. Executive vs. Judicial The President appoints all Supreme Court Justices The Supreme Court can declare any executive acts unconstitutional Newest Supreme Court Justice: Sonia Sotomayor