Three Branches of government
Checks and Balances
A system where each government branch has powers that keep any other branch from having too much control.
Other powers of the executive branch
Appoints cabinet officials as counselors, makes treaties with other nations
Economic powers of the legislative branch
Approves budget, oversees interstate commerce, controls federal taxes and spending
Wartime powers of the executive branch
Commander-in-Chief
Other powers of the legislative branch
Confirm presidential appointments, impeach federal officers
Judicial powers of the judicial branch
Decides arguments about meanings of laws, decides if a law violates the Constitution.
Wartime powers of the legislative branch
Declare war, raise military forces
Constitution
Document that explains how a government is organized, how it works and the basic laws of the land.
Judicial powers of the executive branch
Enforces laws, can veto laws, selects supreme court justices
Supreme Court
Made up of nine appointed justices who have a life-time appointment.
Other powers of the judicial branch
Makes decisions in disagreements among branches of the federal government.
Legislative Branch
One of the three branches of government divided between the senate and the house of representatives.
Judicial branch
One of the three branches of government, headed by the chief justice of the supreme court.
Executive Branch
One of the three branches of government, headed by the president.
House of Representatives
Part of the legislative branch, made up of a number of elected representatives from each state based on population.
Senate
Part of the legislative branch, made up of two elected senators from each state.
Judicial Review
Power of the Supreme Court to determine if the executive and legislative branches are following the Constitution.
Economic powers of the executive branch
Suggest plan for federal budget
Separation of powers
The powers in the US government are divided up between three branches: executive, legislative & judicial.
Bicameral
Two houses - refers to the legislative branch being divided.
Judicial powers of the legislative branch
Writes, debates, passes bills into law