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Understanding the Power Dynamics Among Government Branches

Explore the tensions and dynamics between the legislative, executive, and judicial branches of government, focusing on the "power of the purse," budget committees, veto power, and judicial review.

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Understanding the Power Dynamics Among Government Branches

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  1. C3.1(4) • Tension Between the Three Branches • “power of the purse” (the ability to tax and spend our money) • All revenue bills must originate in the House of Rep. • Why? • The House is the closest to the people • We should decide how money is spent

  2. C3.1(4) • Ways and Means Committee • Tax policy • Appropriations Committee • Fund programs

  3. C3.1(4) • 1974 Congressional Budget and Impoundment Control Act • Created standing (permanent) budget committees in Congress • Created the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) • Congress’ own specialists on “fiscal” (money) issues • Formerly relied on President's specialists • Why? • Congress feared President had too much power over how our money is spent

  4. C3.1(4) • Advise and Consent • Senate ratifies treaties and approves presidential appointments • Examples of tensions: • Senate rejects Pres. Wilson’s attempt to join League of Nations • Senate rejects Pres. Reagan’s appointment of judge Robert Bork (“Borking”)

  5. C3.1(4) • Veto Power • President can stop congressional legislation • But…Congress can override a veto

  6. C3.1(4) • Judicial Review • Supreme Court determines what laws and acts are constitutional • Created by Chief Justice John Marshall • Case: Marbury v Madison (1803) • The Supreme Court has the final say in what the Constitution says

  7. C3.1(4) • Can There Be Tension Within a Branch? • Congress is often split between Democrats and Republicans • The Supreme Court is often split down ideological lines

  8. C3.1(4)SUMMARY QUESTIONS • Why is Tension Between the Three Branches of Gov’t sometimes a Good Thing? • Why Can It sometimes Be a Bad Thing? • Why Do You Think the Founders Created a Government That is Easily Divided? • Should the House of Representatives Have the “Power of the Purse”? Why or Why Not? • Do You Think The Three Branches Are Equally Powerful? Is One Branch More Powerful Than the Others? Show Why or Why Not

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