LESSON 6
Explain the division of power and checks and balances. How does 'rule of law' affect every day life?
In the last lesson you looked over the Constitution and how it lays out the role of each branch of government.
America's government gives powers to different areas of government. There is the federal government, the state government, and local governments. We'll talk about state and local governments later on. In this lesson we're going to focus on the FEDERAL government. The Constitution separates the federal government into 3 branches: The Executive, The Legislative, and the Judicial. The reason for giving different branches different powers, is so that one branch doesn't become to powerful. This system is known as the system of 'checks and balances'.
In the last lesson you looked over the Constitution and how it lays out the role of each branch of government.
America's government gives powers to different areas of government. There is the federal government, the state government, and local governments. We'll talk about state and local governments later on. In this lesson we're going to focus on the FEDERAL government. The Constitution separates the federal government into 3 branches: The Executive, The Legislative, and the Judicial. The reason for giving different branches different powers, is so that one branch doesn't become to powerful. This system is known as the system of 'checks and balances'.
So the 3 branch system was created so that one system can check another. How is this done? Check out these charts:
Rule of Law
- Define the rule of law.
- Explain how the rule of law protects individual rights and preserves the common good.
- Recognize the influence of the rule of law on the development of the American legal, political, and governmental systems.
- Analyze the necessity of establishing and enforcing the rule of law.
- Examine how the rule of law affects everyday life.
You'll notice that the President/Executive Branch has the power to veto certain bills or laws, but Congress can override a veto by voting on the bill again. If Senate votes and 2/3 supports the bill, and the House of Representatives votes and 2/3 of the House supports the bill, then the veto is overridden. This is one example of how the branches 'check' each other.
Because of this system it makes it hard to get things done when the President and Congress don't agree with each other. (Remember Congress= Senate + House of Representatives). Another example is the President's power to make appointments. (appoint people to serve in a certain position, not like a doctor's appointment). Since the government runs the CIA the President can appoint someone to direct the CIA. But the Senate has to approve the person that the president picks.
ASSIGNMENT 6
1. How does the Legislative branch 'check' the Executive Branch?
2. How does the Executive branch 'check' the Judicial Branch?
3. How can the Judicial branch 'check' 'both the Executive and Legislative branches?
4. Do you think our 'checks and balances' system is fair? Why?
Because of this system it makes it hard to get things done when the President and Congress don't agree with each other. (Remember Congress= Senate + House of Representatives). Another example is the President's power to make appointments. (appoint people to serve in a certain position, not like a doctor's appointment). Since the government runs the CIA the President can appoint someone to direct the CIA. But the Senate has to approve the person that the president picks.
ASSIGNMENT 6
1. How does the Legislative branch 'check' the Executive Branch?
2. How does the Executive branch 'check' the Judicial Branch?
3. How can the Judicial branch 'check' 'both the Executive and Legislative branches?
4. Do you think our 'checks and balances' system is fair? Why?