Separation of Powers
3 (Legislative, Judicial, and Executive)
What is the main responsibility of the Legislative Branch?
Make the LAWS
What is the main responsibility of the Executive Branch?
ENFORCE the laws
What is the main responsibility of the Judicial Branch?
JUDGE and interpret the laws
After a bill is introduced, it goes to this group of lawmakers who review, discuss, and make changes
Committee
The President vetoes a bill passed by Congress
Executive checks Legislative
Why is it important that we have checks and balances on power in our government?
Prevent one branch or person from becoming too powerful
To override a veto, Congress must reach this fraction of votes
2/3 from BOTH houses
Not originally a part of the Constitution, the Cabinet was created by this President
George Washington
How many justices on the Supreme Court AND how long can they serve for?
9 justices and serve for life
Who can propose a bill?
Anyone - BUT only lawmakers can officially propose a bill in the Legislature
Congress overriding a President's veto
Legislative checking Executive
What happens to people’s rights when an absolute ruler has total, unchecked power?
With one person in control everyone else's rights are crushed
Veto means THIS in Latin
"I reject"
How does a President veto a bill?
Which Chief Justice presided over the Marbury vs Madison case that gave the Supreme Court judicial review?
John Marshall
Bills that do NOT pass the committee stage have said to have what?
Died in committee
The President nominating federal judges and Supreme Court justices
Executive check Judicial
Enlightenment Thinkers fear absolute leaders because they were tyrannical meaning this
Mad with power
This word describes having two houses in our Congress
Bicameral
Name TWO titles/roles the President has as the head of the Executive Branch
Leader of our country, commander in chief of the armed forces, chief diplomat
The Supreme Court is responsible for interpreting which document?
The US Constitution
After lawmakers review and make changes, the bill heads to the House/Senate to be presented called this
The Floor
Judicial checks Legislative/Executive
This Enlightenment thinker is credited with the idea of separating government powers into different branches
Baron de Montesquieu
How did the ideas of the Virginia and New Jersey Plans shape the representation in each house of Congress?
NJ Plan - Equal representation. Created the Senate (every state gets 2 senators) VA Plan - Representation by population. Created the House with larger states getting more representatives
Beginning with 4 members the Cabinet has grown to be more than 25 members. Why has this happened?
As our country has grown and changed in 200 years the President needs to be advised about all types of matters and responsibilities
Describe in your own words how Judicial Review gave the Supreme Court real power in our system
Judicial Review allows the Supreme Court to speak on behalf of the Constitution and check the other branches for not following what is written there
Why do the House and Senate both need to approve the exact same version of a bill before it goes to the President?
President only looks at one version so both sides need to agree to the same version. No confusion or issues
Congress must approve with a vote any new federal or Supreme Court justice.
Legislative checks Judicial