Government. One government – three branches The Framers (Founding Fathers) wanted a balanced...
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Transcript of Government. One government – three branches The Framers (Founding Fathers) wanted a balanced...
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