Podunk High School Fall 2008 Mr. Costello American Government
Nov 20, 2014
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?