SS.C.1.7 review/re-test material

This is the idea that the "People" are the final, supreme authority; the source of political power

We see this in the Preamble phrase: "We the People"

This means that the federal government only has the powers granted to it by the constitution.

Example: if there are not mentions of the federal government having a "specific power" than the government cannot infringe on or take away that power.

The responsibilities of Government are divided between the Federal(national) government and the State governments

Example: The Federal government handles relationships with other nations and the defense of our country; The States handle local issues like Driver licenses and traffic laws.

The powers of Government are divided into three different branches of Government: The Legislative, The Executive, The Judicial

The Legislative Branch is run by Congress and they pass laws

The Executive Branch is run by the President and he Enforces the law

The Judicial Branch is headed by the Supreme court, they interpret laws.

We have the Separation of Powers so that one branch does not gain to much power!

Each Branch of the Federal government has specific powers to check the other branches

Checks and ballances are an additional way to guarantee that one branch cannot overpower the other Branches.