OBJECTIVE(S): ACTIVITIES:

I will explain
1. SEPARATION OF
how our gov.
POWERS NOTES
is limited
by the
separation of
powers and
checks &
balances
Key Words

SEPARATIO

Guiding Questions:
Why is our gov.
divided into 3
branches?
How is each branchs
power limited by the
others?

USA GOVERNMENT

Separation of
Powers
3 branches

SEPARATION OF POWERS
The

writers of the Constitution,

wanted to form a government that
did not allow one person to have
too much authority or power.
While under the rule of the British
king they learned that this could be
a bad system.

Absolute power
OFF WITH
YOUR
HEAD!

SEPARATION OF POWERS
With

this in mind the writers wrote

the Constitution to provide for a
separation of powers, or three
separate branches of government.
Each has its own powers
(responsibilities) to assure that no
branch has more power than the
others.

ENFORCE
LAWS
MAKE
LAWS

INTERPRET
LAWS

Executive Branch
Who:

President, Vice President, and Cabinet

Powers:
Enforces

the laws
Appoints federal judges and Cabinet officers
Vetoes (reject) acts of Congress
Commands the Armed Forces

Legislative Branch
Who:

House of Representatives and Senate

(together they are called the Congress)

Powers:
Makes

the laws
Approves appointments of the President
Overrides a veto with 2/3 vote
Impeaches the President

Judicial Branch
Who:

Justices (the top court is called the

Supreme Court)
Powers:
Decides the meaning of laws
Declares laws unconstitutional
Declares Executive acts unconstitutional