Separation of Powers

Question 1

Branches of Government

Answer 1

• Executive
• Legislative
• Judicial

Question 2

Executive Powers: President

Answer 2

• Pardons: only federal crimes; unappealable; absolute
• Veto: only president can veto
• Appointment: ambassadors, judges & anyone with exec powers = can make rules, regs, or prosecute
  congress & president can jointly appt=if board/committee does NOT have exec powers
• Commander in Chief: armed forces-can send them to places & to do things
• Executive Orders: Domestic
• Executive Agreement: International

Question 3

Legislative Powers: Congress

Answer 3

• Commerce: plenary powers (big & broad) to do what they want if it affect interstate commerce
• Taxing: constitutional when it raises revenue for the general welfare
• Spending: as long as spending is for general welfare
• Coin Money
• Federal Lands: aka property clause (national parks, monuments, undeveloped fed land)
• War: can declare war

Question 4

Judicial Powers

Answer 4

• Congress shall not enlarge or restrict original jurisdiction
  Ex: congress sending case directly to supreme court = unconstitutional
• Appellate Cases: Congress can make exceptions & regulations
  Ex: Case appealed to supreme court = congress can have some involvement
• Lower Federal Cts: Congress has jurisdiction. Can create new ones
• Supreme Court: congress does NOT have jurisdiction