Weekly Civics Lesson 3

Future of Democracy: Separation of Powers & Checks and Balances.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

1.  Name the three branches of government and their primary functions.

2.  Explain at least three mechanisms of checks and balances.

3.  Explain why the framers divided government power.

Overview

The framers of the Constitution feared tyranny above all else — whether from a king, a mob, or a powerful faction. To prevent any single person or group from seizing too much authority, they divided government power among three branches and equipped each with tools to limit the others.

The Three Branches

•     Legislative Branch (Congress) — Makes the laws. Consists of the Senate (100 members, 2 per state) and the House of Representatives (435 members, apportioned by population). Key powers: pass laws, levy taxes, declare war, approve treaties and presidential appointments.

•     Executive Branch (President) — Enforces the laws. The President is Commander-in-Chief of the military and head of the executive branch. Key powers: sign or veto legislation, issue executive orders, conduct foreign policy, and command the military.

•     Judicial Branch (Federal Courts) — Interprets the laws. The Supreme Court (9 justices) is the highest. Its most consequential power — judicial review — allows it to strike down laws as unconstitutional, a power established in Marbury v. Madison (1803).

Checks and Balances in Practice

•     Congress passes a law → President can veto it → Congress can override the veto with a 2/3 vote in both chambers.

•     President nominates Supreme Court justices → Senate must confirm them.

•     Courts can declare laws unconstitutional, nullifying Congressional or executive action.

•     The President commands the military → only Congress can declare war and fund the armed forces.

•     Congress can impeach and remove the President, Vice President, and federal judges.

CHECK YOUR UNDERSTANDING

1. Which branch of government has the power of judicial review?

A) Legislative

B) Executive

C) Judicial

D) All three share it equally

Answer: (C) Judicial

Explanation: Judicial review — established through Marbury v. Madison (1803) — gives the Judicial Branch the power to review laws and executive actions and declare them unconstitutional.

2. How many senators does each state have?

A) 1

B) 2

C) Based on population

D) Based on geographic size

Answer: (B) 2

Explanation: Each state, regardless of size or population, has exactly 2 senators — for a total of 100 in the U.S. Senate.

How well did you do with the Questions this week?

Next week’s lesson:

Rights and Liberties: The Bill of Rights.