Foundations of American Government
Session 7: Separation of Powers and Checks and Balances

Materials

• Textbook
• Overhead projector

Instructional Activities

1. Create and show a transparency that contains the meaning of separation of powers and the checks and balances system:
   
   •    Power is separated among the legislative, executive, and judicial branches. It helps prevent any one branch from abusing its power.
   •    A system of checks and balances gives each of the three branches of government ways to limit the powers of the other branches.
   
   
2. Ask students to turn to the chart showing the system of checks and balances in their books. Go over those checks identified in the Standards of Learning:
   
   Legislative powers over the executive branch:
   •    Overrides vetoes
   •    Impeaches a President
   Legislative powers over the judicial branch
   •    Approves federal judges
   •    Impeaches federal judges
   Executive powers over the legislative branch
   •    Vetoes acts of Congress
   •    Calls Congress into special session                                                                          
   Executive powers over the judicial branch
   •    Appoints federal judges                                                                                           
   Judicial powers over the legislative branch
   •    Declares laws unconstitutional                                                                                 
   Judicial powers over the executive branch
   •    Declares executive acts unconstitutional       
   
   
3. Provide additional examples not listed in their text.