Separation of Powers Separation of Powers The Constitutional

Separation of Powers

Separation of Powers “The Constitutional Convention of 1787 is supposed to have created a government of ‘separated powers’. It did nothing of the sort. Rather, it created a government of separated institutions sharing powers. ” - Professor Richard Neustadt, 1960

Separation of Powers

Separate Institutions…Shared Powers Separate Institutions + Shared Powers = Checks and Balances The Founding Fathers set up an intricate system whereby each branch of the federal government would check and balance the other two.

What powers? • Article 1 - Powers of the Legislature • Article 2 - Powers of the Executive • Article 3 - Powers of the Judiciary

EXAM FOCUS Which is the most accurate description of US government; ‘separated powers’ or ‘shared powers’? 15 marks = 15 minutes Start Timer 10 Minutes 10 Start Timer 5 Minutes 5 8 4 6 3 4 2 2 1 0 0

Checks and Balances • Chapter 1, p 14 -18 - Checks by the executive on the legislature - Checks by the executive on the judiciary - Checks by the legislature on the executive - Checks by the legislature on the judiciary - Checks by the judiciary on the legislature - Checks by the judiciary on the executive

Checks & Balances Checks on… Checks by… The legislature The executive • Recommend legislation • Veto legislation The judiciary • Judicial Review The executive The judiciary • Amend/delay/reject legislation • Override president’s veto • Power of the purse • Declare war • Ratify treaties (Senate) • Investigation • Impeachment, trial, conviction and removal from office • Impeachment, trial, conviction, removal from office • Propose constitutional amendments • Appointment of judges • Pardon • Judicial Review