Principles of the constitution

Question 1

Separation of powers

Answer 1

• The first key principle is the separation of powers. This is a theory of government whereby political power is distributed among three branches of government - the legislature, the executive and the judiciary, each acting both independently and interdependently

Question 2

Checks and balances

Answer 2

• A system of government that gives each branch - legislative, executive and judicial - the means to partially control the power exercised by the other branches

Question 3

Check and balances powers of the president

Answer 3

• Can check Congress by vetoing a bill it has passed

- Can check the federal courts by nominating judges and by the power of pardon

Question 4

Check and balances powers of Congress

Answer 4

Can check the president by:
- Amending/delaying/rejecting the president’s legislative proposals
- Overriding the president’s veto
- Refusing to approve the president’s appointments (Senate only)
Can check the federal governments by:
- Refusing to approve a person nominated to the federal courts
Can check the federal courts by:
- Proposing constitutional amendments to overturn a judicial decision
- Refusing to approve a person nominated to the federal courts (Senate only)

Question 5

Check and balances powers of Federal courts

Answer 5

• Can check Congress by declaring a law unconstitutional
• Can check the president by declaring the president’s actions - or the actions of the president’s subordinates - unconstitutional

Question 6

Limited government - has this been eroded?

Answer 6

• Yes: The federal government has grown considerably in size, with the annual budget now around $4 trillion. Supreme court rulings have also favoured them e.g upholding Trump travel ban
• No: The federal government is still limited with the growth of devolution and the lack of party discipline in Congress. Also, bigger federal government is because of larger USA now (more states, population etc)