1. Foundations of America
Checks and Balances
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
The Senate must approve all appointments and treaties
President can make treaties and appoint Supreme Court Justices
John Roberts
(Chief Justice)
Congress can impeach and remove president from office

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

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