Section 3 2 Three Branches of Government Reflection

Section 3. 2 Three Branches of Government

Reflection Question Are there any similarities or differences between our modern Presidents and that of a monarch?

Key Terms (pg. 68) Define – expressed powers, enumerated powers, elastic clause, federal bureaucracy

The Legislative Branch The founders felt this branch to be the most important of the three branches. Thusly, they spent time writing the Congress’ exact powers into the Constitution.

The Legislative Branch (cont. ) u The Houses of Congress, 1. ) The Senate, and 2. ) The House of Representatives u In the 1 st Congress, the Senate introduced only 5 bills (proposed laws), and the House introduced 26. Today around 10, 000 bills are introduced yearly.

[Read pg. 72] An example of a positive change that was pushed through Congress by a grassroots effort.

The Executive Branch u Vague Powers for the President u Specific Powers for the President [Read 1 st paragraph pg. 71] u Presidential responsibilities and power have grown enormously since 1789.

The Judicial Branch The power of federal courts are derived from the Constitution and federal laws. The Supreme Court is a federal court and the highest court in the land. u The power of state courts are derived from state constitutions and laws. u Every court has the authority to hear only certain kinds of cases – jurisdiction. u

Shared Power and Conflict (Make Sure to Read on Your Own) u The President as Legislator u The President vs. Congress u Congress vs. the Courts u The Supreme Court vs. the President

Section 3. 2 Assessment 1. ) Answer question #6 on pg. 75. 2. ) What is the significance of the 1803 decision of the Supreme Court, Marbury v. Madison?