Principles of American Government

Introduction

• Separation of Powers: Each branch of government has specific jobs.
  • Congress makes laws.
  • Executive enforces laws.
  • Judicial interprets laws.
• Checks and Balances: Each branch can limit/block the actions of another.
  • President can veto legislation.
  • Congress can impeach and remove the president/judges.
  • Judiciary can rule actions unconstitutional.

Purpose

• Prevent any single branch/person from having too much power.
• Protect individual rights.
• Part of the concept of Limited Government.

Federalist 51

• Written by James Madison.
• Discusses the need for a government strong enough to protect rights but not so strong as to infringe upon them.
• Advocates for separation of powers and checks and balances.
• Question: Do checks and balances still work with political parties today?

Decentralization of Power

• Power is spread across federal, state, and local levels.
• Framers opposed centralization of power.

Constitutional Limitations on Federal Power

• Writ of Habeas Corpus: Protects against indefinite detention without charge.
• Bills of Attainder: Congress cannot declare someone guilty without a trial.
• Ex-Post Facto Laws: Laws cannot criminalize actions retroactively.

Article 4: State Relationships

• Full Faith and Credit Clause: States must respect other states' legal decisions.
• Privileges and Immunities Clause: Prevents state discrimination against out-of-state citizens.
• Extradition Requirement: Fugitive criminals must be sent back to the requesting state.

Conclusion

• Encouragement to continue reviewing and preparing for unit tests.
• Suggestion to use review packets and study guides for additional preparation.