Does separation of powers create checks and balances? Executive Judicial Legislative

QUESTIONS to Consider ? What are the three branches of government that share power? What are the motives of the federal government to separate powers of the branches? What challenges can you predict the separation of powers can cause? What alternative government system have you studied that resemble branches of government and balance of powers? LIST & Predict: Looking at the list predict which branch you think controls that power in government. Establishes lower court systems Enforces the Laws Decides the constitutionality of laws Regulate interstate Commerce Passes Federal Laws

The WHY of Separation •Dividing different powers among three branches of government prevents one branch from gaining too much power •Legislative, Judicial, and Executive branches have their own unique powers •The powers of each branch allows them to hold the other branches accountable •Prevents one branches from abusing their powers •Requires cooperation between the branches of government

Legislative Branch WHO: Congress- House and Senate makes up this branch WHAT: They can ... Can impeach and remove the president Ratifies presidential appointments Authorizes/appropriates funds for legislation Checks on the judiciary Can impeach and remove judges Confirms federal judges Can override a presidential veto

Executive Branch WHO: President and Cabinet WHAT: They can... Proposes legislation (laws) Vetoes legislation (laws) Makes treaties with foreign countries Checks on the judiciary Appoints federal judges Enforces court decisions

Judicial Branch WHO: Supreme Court and Lower Courts WHAT: They can... Reviews executive decisions Checks on Congress Reviews congressional laws Judicial Review (executive and legislative) Supreme Court Justices appointed for life

WHAT can we Do...

Points to Ponder and Questions to Consider What are some problems with the checks and balances system? The Constitution is vague in some parts of these powers. How can this cause a problem for each branch? How does this system promote cooperation between the branches of government? Which branch has the most power? Why?

CREATE YOUR OWN... Balance of Power (Pick 1) Create a balance of power within the grade levels WHO: 6th, 7th and 8th grades What: Create the powers that each of these groups would have within your school building How: Implement check and balances for each group in the school. How can we hold each other accountable? Create a balance of power within our school. WHO: Teachers, Students and Administrators What: Create the powers that each of these groups would have within your school How: Implement check and balances for each group in the school. How can we hold each other accountable?