Checks and Balances

1. Checks and Balances John Wagner Tim Wellein Jessica Wilson

2. Objectives • Maryland VSC Objectives: • (F) Describe how the Constitution provides for checks and balances, such as Legislative overrides of vetoes, the limitations on the powers of the President and the appointment process. • http://mdk12.org/instruction/hsvsc/government/standard1.html

3. Classroom Objectives • Assess prior knowledge of Checks and Balances. (Brainstorm) • Video and Recap • Lesson on Checks and Balances between Legislative and Executive branches of Govt. • Summary and Summary Question • Assessment – HW Assignment

4. Inspiration Web • What do you know about Checks & Balances? • What are the three branches of government? • Who makes up each branch of the government? • What are their jobs/roles?

5. Video • http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=neW_vcx5u8g&feature=PlayList&p=1C5A76040C15EA45&playnext=1&playnext_from=PL&index=29

6. Checks and Balances • Are used to create a separation of powers to prevent one branch of government from becoming too large or powerful.

7. Executive Branch • Is made up of the President and his/her cabinet. • The President is responsible for implementing and enforcing the laws written by Congress. • Has the power to either sign bills into law or veto bills (Bills are introduced/written by Congress).

8. Executive Branch Cont. • Executes the spending authorized by Congress (Congress allocates where money is to be spent). • Carries out the instructions of Congress when Congress declares war or makes rules for the military.

9. Legislative Branch • Is made up of the Congress, which consists of the House of Representatives and the Senate • Makes all the laws. • Has the sole power to enact legislation (write/introduce bills). • Congress may override a President’s veto with a two-thirds vote of both houses (Senate and House of Representatives).

10. Legislative Branch Cont. • Has the power to confirm or reject various Presidential appointments. • Elects the President in the event that no candidate receives an electoral majority. • Congress has the power to impeach the President or Vice President.

11. Legislative Branch Cont. • Congress allocates where money is to be spent, and the Executive branch executes the spending. • Has the power to declare war.

12. Application of Checks and Balances • How laws are made: • The Legislative branch introduces and votes on a bill. The bill then goes to the Executive branch and the President decides whether to sign the bill to make it a law. • If the President doesn’t sign it, it is called a veto. • In that case, the Legislative branch gets a chance, with enough votes, to override the veto to make the bill into a law.

13. Summary • Checks and Balances are used to create a balance of powers between the three different branches of government. • The three different branches of government have separate powers that limit the power of the other branches.

14. Summary Cont. • Each branch has enough power to carry out their jobs outlined by the Constitution and carry out their policies without over overstretching their reach.

15. Summary Question • What are the advantages and disadvantages of checks and balances in our government?

16. Summary Answer • Neither branch of Government can have more control than the other, prevents tyrants from seizing control (in theory), and decreases chances for Government corruption. • Potential for Bills to take too long to become law or lose their original intent when they pass, can put branches of government at odds with each other, causes friction and rifts within National politics, and has potential to increase the size of Government and create large bureaucracies.

17. Homework • Homework Questions • What are some of the powers that are specific to only the Legislative or the Executive Branches of Government? • Why does it seem like the Legislative Branch has more powers that oversee and approve the policies and practices of the Executive Branch?