Separation of Powers By William R Casto Branches
Separation of Powers By William R. Casto
Branches of Government n What are the branches of our nations government? q q q n Legislative Executive Judicial Lets take a look at what each branch does
Legislative n n Also known as Congress What does it do? q q n Representation – In the Senate each state has two representatives. In the House each state has representatives based on state population. Declares War Law – Creates and passes the nations laws Budget – Congress must also pass the governments annual budget. For further reading see: q q http: //www. whitehouse. gov/our-government/legislativebranch http: //www. house. gov/
Executive n n Often known as the Presidency What does it do? q q q n Commander in Chief – leader of our nations armed forces Implements and enforces laws written by Congress Policy – both foreign through diplomacy, and at home though regulating agencies such as the Department of Agriculture, Department of Defense, etc. For further reading see: q http: //www. whitehouse. gov/our-government/executivebranch
Judicial n n Also known as the Supreme Court What does it do? q q n Settles disputes between states, ambassadors and diplomats Interprets the law, and in some cases the Constitution itself For further reading see: q q http: //www. whitehouse. gov/ourgovernment/judicial-branch http: //www. supremecourt. gov/
Separation of Powers n As you can see each branch has its own area to focus on. No one branch can run everything. What are some of the limits on each branch of government? q q q Judicial Review – decides if the actions of the other branches are constitutional. Appointments – the President can make appointments, such as to the Supreme Court. Impeachment – Congress can remove the President or federal judges from office.
Sources n n n The White House (2012). Retrieved from http: //www. whitehouse. gov/ United States House of Representatives (2012). Retrieved from http: //www. house. gov/ Supreme Court of the United States (2012). Retrieved from http: //www. supremecourt. gov/
Activity Description n This activity would be used in a Civics class that is covering a unit on the branches of our nation’s government and the idea of “separation of powers. ” The idea for this activity is for this Power. Point to serve as an example for students as they work on their own presentations. Students would be asked to look up basic information on the different branches of government and give some examples of how they interact with one another. The activity could be adapted for individual or group work. If used for group work I would have the class split into three groups and ask each to focus on a specific branch of government. The groups would later come back and tell the rest of the class what they had learned. This activity would serve to cover state CSOs, such as this one for a 10 th grade Civics class: SS. O. 10. 2. 5: Explain the purpose, organization and functions of the legislative, executive and judicial branches, and analyze the separation of powers, checks and balances. This activity should also give students practice using technology with research, give experience with technology operations and concepts, and if modified for group work encourages communication and collaboration.
- Slides: 8