Government

Government

One government – three branches

The Framers (Founding Fathers) wanted a balanced government, where one person or group could not become too powerful

Checks and balances Each branch was limited in some way by the

other two Each branch had a way to limit the other two

Government

Legislative branch – The Congress

Senate and House of Representatives

Certain specific powers: Set and collect taxes Regulate trade Borrow and create money Declare war Set up post offices

Government

Congress

Also had the power to create whatever laws were seen as necessary for the country

Laws had to be approved by both Houses of Congress – the Senate and the House of Representatives

Government

Executive Branch – The President

Powers include: Ability to appoint a Cabinet and other officials Commander-in-Chief of the Army Enter into foreign treaties Ability to sign bills into law

Government

The President

Voted in every four years by an electoral college

Originally, the runner-up in the election became vice-president

Presidents are now limited to two terms

Government

Judicial Branch – The Supreme Court

Final court – there are other, lower courts

Primary power is to decide whether laws are constitutional (legal) or not A law that is declared unconstitutional is

removed

Government

The Supreme Court

There are nine Supreme Court justices

They are appointed by the President and approved by the Senate

They serve for as long as they wish and never have to retire

Government

Checks and Balances – Legislative Branch

Over Executive Branch Can override President’s veto Confirms presidential appointments Can impeach the President

Over Judicial Branch The Senate has to confirm Supreme Court

justices Congress has the power to write amendments

that impact judicial decisions

Government

Checks and Balances – Executive Branch

Over Legislative Branch Can veto (deny) laws Congress passes Vice-President presides over the Senate

Over Judicial Branch Appoints judges Can grant pardons to people convicted in federal

court

Government

Checks and Balances – Judicial Branch

Over Executive Branch Can declare executive actions unconstitutional

Over Legislative Branch Can declare laws unconstitutional

Government

Electoral College

Elects the president

A state has as many electoral votes as it has members of Congress (two senators and however many representatives)

Whichever presidential candidate wins the popular vote in that state receives ALL the electoral votes for the state