American Government Presentation

Podunk High School

Fall 2008Mr. Costello

American Government

American Government

Checks and Balances:The Separation of Powers

Why Three Branches of Governmentand the Bill of Rights

Separation of Powers• What can you tell me about government in

relation to the separation of powers and checks and balances by looking at this photograph?

U.S. Constitution

• Seven Articles• Three primary Articles• Articles I, II, III most

important.• Composed of articles,

sections and clauses.

Article IUnited States Congress

• Enacts Law• Divided into two sides

– House of Representatives– Senate

• Represents:– House/People

• 435 based on pop.– Senate/States

• 100/2 per state.

• Viewed as most important• Holds purse strings• Can declare war

Articles IIExecutive Branch

• Enforces Law• President • Departments

– Justice– Defense– State

• 2 terms only

Article IIIJudiciary

• Interprets Law• 9 Justices

– 1 Chief Justice– 8 Associates

• Why 9?• Length of term?