Objective: To examine the nation’s system of checks and balances.

Objective: To examine the nation’s system of checks and balances. Supreme Court

Oh, yeah! I’m the President! It feels good being the most powerful person in the world! Executive Branch Hey, Mitch, does this guy think that the Executive Branch has all the power? Judicial Branch I don’t know, John, but I think we ought to give him a check that he’ll never forget! Legislative Branch: Congress Supreme Court

Yes! It’s a part of our responsibilities! Ummm…was it necessary to check me that hard? Who else is going to put a check on your power? Okay. But remember that I’ve got a few checks of my own, and I’m ready to use them!

Checks and Balances • Congress can impeach the President. (2/3rd’s vote) • The Senate must approve all Presidential treaties. (2/3rd’s vote) • Congress can overturn a Presidential veto. (2/3rd’s vote) Executive Branch / President • The President must approve all of Congress’ bills before they become laws. • The President can veto bills. Legislative Branch / Congress

Schoolhouse Rock – “I’m Just a Bill”

Impeachment of President Bill Clinton

Checks and Balances • The Supreme Court can declare Presidential actions to be unconstitutional. Executive Branch / President • The President appoints all federal judges, including Supreme Court justices. Judicial Branch / Courts

Checks and Balances Video: Review • Congress can impeach federal judges. • The Senate must approve all of the President’s choices for judges. Judicial Branch / Courts • The Supreme Court can declare laws to be unconstitutional. Legislative Branch / Congress

Objective: To examine the nation’s system of checks and balances.