Checks and Balances / Separation of Powers

Separation of Powers or Checks/Balances- breaks the U. S Separation of Powers or Checks/Balances- breaks the U.S. government into 3 separate branches

Separation of Powers/Checks and Balances

Separation of Powers/Checks and Balances Each branch has separate powers and can check one another’s powers Legislative branch- makes laws Executive branch- enforces laws Judicial branch- interprets laws

Checks and Balances (separation of powers) Congress writes and passes a law Veto (forbid) law

Checks and Balances (separation of powers) Congress writes and passes a law Signs a law

Checks and Balances (separation of powers) Congress writes and passes a law Signs a law Supreme court strikes down law

Checks and Balances (separation of powers) Congress (Legislative Branch) has the power to make and pass laws President (Executive Branch) has the power to veto (forbid) or sign laws Supreme Court (Judicial Branch) can strike down laws that violate the constitution (unconstitutional) Each branch can check (stop) one another’s powers

Why do we have Separation of Powers (checks and balances)? To make sure one branch does not have TOO MUCH POWER If one branch is given all the power then it may begin oppressing its people

Federalism Remember from before: The United States has a federal form of government. This means that the national (also known as federal) government shares power with the states. (U.S. shares power with Maryland, Virginia, California, etc.) Federalism is the system of dividing up powers between the federal and state governments.

Declare war Regulate interstate commerce Establish public schools Coin and print money Issue licenses Establish post office Make and enforce laws Establish courts Raise an army and navy Collect taxes from citizens Make treaties with foreign nations Conduct elections NATIONAL BOTH STATE

Regulate interstate commerce -Collect taxes from citizens Check your answers! National Both State Declare war Raise an army and navy Establish post office Make treaties with foreign nations Regulate interstate commerce Coin and print money -Collect taxes from citizens -Make and enforce laws -Establish courts Issue licenses Establish public schools - Conduct elections

Federal (National) Level Legislative Branch Federal (National) Level The Congress passes a bill (law) Liquor stores can’t sell minors (under 21) alcohol

Legislative Branch State Level Maryland General Assembly People can’t text or use a cell phone while driving

Legislative Branch Local Level City Council Restaurants can’t cook foods that have more than half a gram of trans fat per serving

Important Vocabulary Delegated Prohibited Reserved Power that is “given to” the nation Prohibited Something that has been banned or not allowed to happen Reserved Power that is “set aside” for the states

So, to review…. Separation of Powers (also known as Checks and Balances) = Interaction between the BRANCHES

Federalism = Interaction between the LEVELS So, to review…. Federalism = Interaction between the LEVELS