The Constitution

Lesson 2 The Three Branches of Government

Guided Reading Activity Answer Key

I. The National Government

A. One of the most persuasive arguments was that the Constitution balanced power between states and the national government and created three separate branches of government to divide its powers so that the structure and functions of government (as laid out in the Constitution) made it impossible for one person—or even a small group—to have absolute power.

B. In order to create a limited government, the Founders assigned different powers to each branch and gave each branch ways to check the power of the others.

II. Legislative Branch

A. The legislative branch is responsible for passing laws, but the Founders took steps to prevent abuse by giving Congress limited and expressed powers, or powers directly stated in the Constitution.

B. Enumerated powers include economic matters—the powers to levy taxes, borrow money, coin money, punish counterfeiting, and regulate commerce; issues of national defense, including the power to declare war, raise and support the armed forces, and organize the militia; and the power to naturalize citizens and establish post offices and courts.

III. Executive Branch

A. The executive departments as well as its agencies, boards, commissions, government corporations, and advisory boards assist the president in carrying out his or her responsibilities.

B. The president’s specific powers include the power to grant pardons, make treaties and agreements with foreign nations, appoint ambassadors and Supreme Court justices, fire certain officials, take emergency actions for the nation, and serve as the commander in chief of the military.

IV. Judicial Branch

A. The Constitution established the federal court system, with the Supreme Court and inferior courts.

B. Judicial review is the power of the courts to interpret the Constitution and overturn laws that violate it.

V. American Government: Then and Now

A. The tasks of the president, Congress, and the Supreme Court justices have all become much busier because the nation has grown dramatically and the responsibilities of the jobs have increased.

VI. Relations Among the Branches

A. The president and Congress frequently work together to propose, enact, and carry out laws, but the power of each branch to check the others creates conflict.

Summary and Reflection

Each branch can check, or balance, the power of the other two branches of government. For example, the president’s power to veto a bill places a check on the power of Congress, but Congress can override the veto. The courts can interpret the meaning of laws and can declare them unconstitutional, serving as a check on Congress. However, Congress can pass new laws or amendments. The courts also can rule against actions taken by the executive branch, but the courts are dependent upon the executive to enforce their rulings. Congress may impeach the president and federal judges, serving as a check on the executive and judicial branches.

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