Chapter 3

I can discuss how the USC created a system of checks and balances I can explain how the power to govern is divided between the federal and state governments

At the time of the drafting of the USC there WAS NOT a country that had a system of checks and balances LEGISLATIVE BRANCH Headed by Congress at the federal level Equal representation Worries Small populated states Lose independency Large populated states Over thrown by the smaller states SOLUTION Senate and the House of Representatives Two members from each state in the Senate Number would be proportionate to the population

At the time of the drafting of the USC there WAS NOT a country that had a system of checks and balances EXECUTIVE BRANCH Headed by the President and Vice President Elected by a vote of the people JUDICIAL BRANCH Headed by the Supreme Court Decide the constitutionality of a statute passed Decides if decisions by the President stay within his scope of authority

Amendment – change or alteration The USC can be amended in two ways: It is proposed by 2/3 majority vote in both the Senate/House Legislatures of 2/3 of states call a convention of the states Under either method, the amendment becomes a valid part of the USC if it is ratified by the legislatures of ¾ or it is ratified by conventions in ¾ of the states

Democracy Every adult citizen may vote in all issues Virtually impossible to happen – WHY? Republic Voters select their representatives to the legislative, executive, and judicial branches The ultimate power resides in the people It shows up in our power to vote

Sovereignty of the states Tenth Amendment State Powers Federal Government Sovereignty - - freedom from external control States regulate intrastate commerce Powers of the federal government Protects states from invasion Raise $$$$$ to support military - - armies Regulate interstate commerce