1. Separation of Powers
The Constitution provides for separation of powers among the legislative, executive, and judicial branches. Each has its own jobs to do.
A system of Checks and balances,:
the process by which each branch of government has some powers over the others guarantees that no branch of government will become too powerful.

2. Powers of The Legislative Branch
The powers granted Congress are expressed in Article I, Section 8.
These expressed powers are directly stated in the Constitution. “the Expressed Powers”
They are also called the “enumerated powers” because, well they are numbered – hence “enumerated”. Also called clauses.
There are 18 clauses

3. Powers of The Legislative Branch
These clauses specifically say what the congress can do, such as:
Levy taxes, borrow money, coin money,
declare war, raise & support armed forces, organize a militia, etc.
Naturalizing citizens, establishing courts, etc.
The 18th power is called the “Elastic Clause” which gives Congress the right to make all laws “necessary and proper” to carry out the other 17.

4. Executive Branch
The Founders recognized the need for a strong executive and granted the president broad but vaguely described powers. These include:
Fire officials of the Exec. Branch
Make agreements with other countries
Take emergency measures to save the nation

5. Executive Branch
Article II, Sections 2 and 3 describe the specific powers of the president. The President:
is commander-in-chief of the armed forces;
with the Senate’s consent, appoints ambassadors, judges, and other officials;
makes treaties with the consent of the Senate;

6. Executive Branch The President:
calls Congress into special session, if necessary;
meets with foreign officials;
ensures that the laws of Congress are faithfully executed.

7. The Judicial Branch
Article III calls for a Supreme Court and any lower courts Congress may establish.
The Constitution gives federal courts jurisdiction, or authority, over cases involving United States laws, treaties, interpretations of the Constitution, and the law of the sea.
State courts have jurisdiction in other kinds of cases.

9. Congress is “the First Branch of this Government” -James Madison
Legislative Branch
Congress is “the First Branch of this Government”
-James Madison

10. United States Congress
Bicameral Legislature
The United States Congress is made up of two houses
House of Representatives
Senate

11. What is so important about Congress?
Congress plays a central role in making national policies
Congress initiates and approves laws dealing with everything from health care to tax cuts or changes

12. Congressional Sessions
Each term of Congress starts on January 3rd of the odd-numbered years and lasts for two years
Each term of Congress is divided into sessions
A session lasts one year and included breaks for holidays and vacations
Congress remains in session until its members vote to adjourn

13. The House of Representatives
435 members, and is the larger body of Congress, and how many representatives per state depends on population of the state
Representatives must be at least 25 years old, be a citizen of the United States for at least 7 years, and be legal residents of the state that elects them
Elected for 2-year terms

14. Senate Senate has 100 members, 2 members from each of the 50 states
Senators must be at least 30 years old, citizens of the United States for 9 years before election, and legal residents of the state they represent.
Elections are held in even numbered years and hold terms of 6 years