Principles of the Constitution

1. Principles of the Constitution

2. Separation of Powers • Idea of dividing the government into three branches • Each has its own duties

3. Legislative Branch-Passes Laws • Can override President’s veto • Can impeach the President and other high officials • Prints and coins money • Declare war • Regulates foreign trade and interstate trade • Approves treaties

4. Executive Branch-Carries out the Laws • Proposes laws • Can veto laws • Negotiates treaties • Commander in Chief of the armed forces • Appoints federal judges and other high officials • Grant pardons

5. Judicial Branch- Interprets the Laws • Can declare laws unconstitutional • Can declare executive actions unconstitutional

6. Checks and Balances • A system of checks and balances safeguards against abuse of power • Each branch of government has the power to check, or limit, the actions of the other two • Guarantees that no branch of government will become too powerful

7. Legislative Branch Checks on Executive Branch Checks on the Judicial Branch Creates lower federal courts Can impeach and remove judges Can propose amendments to overrule judicial decisions Approves appointments of federal judges • Override President’s veto • Confirms executive appointments • Ratifies treaties • Can declare war • Appropriates money • Can impeach and remove President

8. Executive Branch Checks on Legislative Branch Checks on Judicial Branch Appoints federal judges Can grant pardons to federal offenders • Can propose laws • Can veto laws • Can call special sessions of Congress • Makes appointments • Negotiates foreign treaties

9. Judicial Branch Checks on Executive Branch Checks on Legislative Branch Can declare acts of Congress unconstitutional • Can declare executive actions unconstitutional