STANDARD CE.6c
Separation of Powers & Checks and Balances
Principle of separation of powers and the operation of checks and balances

How do the separation of power and checks and balances protect against an abuse of power by any one branch of the government?

Separating power among the legislative, executive, and judicial branches 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.

Legislative powers over

• The executive branch
     - Overrides vetoes
     - Impeaches a President

• The judicial branch
     - Approves federal judges
     - Impeaches federal judges		 Executive powers over

• The legislative branch
     - Vetoes acts of Congress
     - Calls Congress into special session

• The judicial branch
     - Appoints federal judges		 Judicial powers over
• The legislative branch
     - Declares laws unconstitutional

• The executive branch
     - Declares executive acts unconstitutional

STANDARD CE.6d
Amending the Constitution
Procedures for amending the Constitution of the United States of America

How can the Constitution be amended?

The Constitution of the United States of America defines the process by which formal changes are made to the document.

Process for amending the Constitution of the United States of America:
• Action by Congress or convention
• Ratification by the states

The amendment process is complex; to date, only 27 amendments have been added.