Separation of Powers/Checks and Balances
• Each branch has separate powers and can check one another’s powers
• Legislative branch- makes laws • Executive branch- enforces laws • Judicial branch- interprets laws
Checks and Balances (separation of powers)
Congress writes and passes a
law
Signs a law Supreme court strikes down law
Checks and Balances (separation of powers)
• Congress (Legislative Branch) has the power to make and pass laws
• President (Executive Branch) has the power to veto (forbid) or sign laws
• Supreme Court (Judicial Branch) can strike down laws that violate the constitution (unconstitutional)
• Each branch can check (stop) one another’s powers
Why do we have Separation of Powers (checks and balances)?
To make sure one branch does not have TOO MUCH POWER
If one branch is given all the power then it may begin oppressing its people
Federalism• Remember from before: The United
States has a federal form of government.
• This means that the national (also known as federal) government shares power with the states. (U.S. shares power with Maryland, Virginia, California, etc.)
• Federalism is the system of dividing up powers between the federal and state governments.
Declare war Regulate interstate commerce Establish public schools Coin and print money
Issue licenses Establish post office Make and enforce laws Establish courts
Raise an army and navy Collect taxes from citizens Make treaties with foreign nations Conduct elections
NATIONAL BOTH STATE
Check your answers!National Both State-Declare war
-Raise an army and navy
-Establish post office
-Make treaties with foreign nations
-Regulate interstate commerce
-Coin and print money
-Collect taxes from citizens
-Make and enforce laws
-Establish courts
-Issue licenses -Establish
publicschools
- Conduct elections
Legislative BranchFederal (National) Level
The Congress passes a bill (law)
Liquor stores can’t sell minors (under 21) alcohol
Legislative BranchState Level
Maryland General Assembly
People can’t text or use a cell phone while driving
Legislative BranchLocal Level
City Council
Restaurants can’t cook foods that have more than half a gram of
trans fat per serving
Important Vocabulary
Delegated
Power that is “given to” the
nation
Prohibited
Something that has been banned or not allowed to
happen
Reserved
Power that is “set aside” for the
states
So, to review….
•Separation of Powers(also known as Checks and Balances) =
Interaction between the BRANCHES