9.6 What Are Checks and Balances?

How Do You Check the Power of Other Branches? Checks and balances are a system that enables each branch of the government to limit the power of the others. Checks allow one branch to block the actions of another. How does the president check the legislative branch? He can veto laws they pass.

How Is Power Balanced Among the 3 Branches?

Balances allow each branch of government to have some role in the actions and power of the others. This system of checks and balances keeps any one branch of the government from becoming too strong. How is power balanced between the executive and judicial branches? The president nominates Supreme Court Justices

9.7 Whats the Amendment Process?

How Do We Change the Constitution? Changing the Constitution is possible, but very difficult. Changes to the Constitution are called amendments.

The Amendment Process

What, and How Many Amendments so far?

Total of 27 amendmentsfirst 10 came immediately after the Constitution was ratified (Bill of Rights).

The 27 Amendments

Amendment 1 - Freedom of Religion, Press, Expression Amendment 2 - Right to Bear Arms Amendment 3 - Quartering of Soldiers Amendment 4 - Search and Seizure Amendment 5 - Trial and Punishment, Compensation for Takings Amendment 6 - Right to Speedy Trial, Confrontation of Witnesses Amendment 7 - Trial by Jury in Civil Cases Amendment 8 - Cruel and Unusual Punishment Amendment 9 - Construction of Constitution Amendment 10 - Powers of the States and People Amendment 11 - Judicial Limits Amendment 12 - Choosing the President, Vice President Amendment 13 - Slavery Abolished

Amendment 14 - Citizenship Rights Amendment 15 - Race No Bar to Vote Amendment 16 - Status of Income Tax Clarified Amendment 17 - Senators Elected by Popular Vote Amendment 18 - Liquor Abolished Amendment 19 - Women's Suffrage Amendment 20 - Presidential, Congressional Terms Amendment 21 - Amendment 18 Repealed Amendment 22 - Presidential Term Limits Amendment 23 - Presidential Vote for District of Columbia Amendment 24 - Poll Taxes Barred Amendment 25 - Presidential Disability and Succession Amendment 26 - Voting Age Set to 18 Years Amendment 27 - Limiting Changes to Congressional Pay

9.8 How Does the Federal System Connect the Nation and the States?

What Powers Belong To the National Government? Declaring war, making treaties, printing money. The Commerce Clause gives the national government power to regulate trade. Why should the federal government regulate trade? States cant tax other states on importsfree-trade zone. Goods flow more easily from state to state. Easier to create large businesses that cross state lines. Creates a single national economy.

What Powers Belong to the States?

The Constitution doesnt specify the powers of the states. The states have power over anything not given to the national government. But, what must states do? States must uphold the laws and legal decisions of other states. States must help each other track down criminals. States cannot discriminate against those of another state.

The Federal System

What Powers Are Shared?

Federalism is the term that refers to the federal government and the states sharing power. Both: raise taxes, build roads, borrow money. In some situations, the two work together (i.e. elections).

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What Is The Law Of The Land?

The Constitution and the laws flowing from it are the supreme law of the land. Everythinglaws, decisions, etc. must agree with the Constitution

9.9 Popular Participation in Government

The Constitution is set up so that citizens will take an active role in the government. This is all based on majority rule. This is mainly done through elections. A party is an organized political group. They usually play a major role in getting candidates elected.

9.9 Continued
Interest Groups are groups of people who care about a specific issue or other groups of people. They influence government through public opinion, getting candidates elected, and persuading lawmakers.

Summary
Preamble Legislative branch Executive branch Judicial branch Checks and balances Amendments Federal system