SS4H5.c The student will analyze the

challenges faced by the nation.

d. Identify and explain the rights in the

Bill of Rights, describe how the Bill of Rights

Places limits on the power of government, and explain the reasons for its inclusion in the

Constitution in 1791

• How do the three branches of government work and how are the powers limited?

Review:

• Democracy – • a government in which the people have the

power to make political decisions.• Checks and balances – • a system in which each branch of government

can limit the power of the other branches. • Veto- • To reject• Unconstitutional –• does not agree with the constitution• Amendment – • a change made to the constitution.

The Constitution

• The ________ was our new plan for government.

• It is based on the idea of ____ ____ -which means the people have the power to

rule.

• It tells us that our government is a ___________-where the people have the power to make political decisions

The Constitution outlines the government into three ______.

• The _______ Branch- makes the laws

• The _______ Branch – makes sure the laws are put into action

• The _______ Branch – settles disputes with the law and makes sure they are fair.

“We the People of the United States..”

• These are the first words of the Preamble or beginning of the Constitution. They tell us that our government is based on the fact that people have the power to rule.

• • The Constitution tells us that our government

is a democracy.

• This means that citizens take part in making laws and choosing leaders.

• The Constitution describes how we choose our representatives and how the government works.

Limits on the Government

• The Constitution includes checks and balances. This keeps one branch from becoming stronger than the others.

How it works:• Congress may pass laws........but the President can

veto them.

• The President can veto laws.......but Congress can override the veto with a 2/3 vote.

• The President and Congress may agree on a law..........but the Supreme Court can declare a law unconstitutional.

• The President can appoint Judges and other government officials.......but Senate must approve them.

• Supreme Court judges have life terms.......but they can be impeached and removed by Congress.

How our government works:

• The Constitution created a federal system.

• The national government has power over issues that affect everyone in the nation.

• Some of these issues are: • -defense of our country• -printing money• -the postal service• -trade with other countries

State governments:

• State governments have power over local issues.

• Some of these issues are:

• -education

• -elections

• Both systems-federal and state- collect taxes and set up courts.

The Constitution:

• Federal laws are stronger than state laws.

• The highest law in the land is the Constitution.

• The Constitution can be amended or changed as the country changes.

• How do the three branches of government work and how are the powers limited?