After reading this chapter, you will be able to answer the following questions: What is federalism? How does the . government’s system of checks and balances operate? What effects does the commerce clause have on the government’s regulation of business? How does the Bill of Rights protect the citizens of the United States? | Chapter 5 Constitutional Principles Copyright © 2015 McGraw-Hill Education. All rights reserved. No reproduction or distribution without the prior written consent of McGraw-Hill Education. Chapter 5: Constitutional Principles The United States Constitution Establishes a “federalist” system of government (with authority divided between the federal and state governments) Allocates power among the three federal branches of government (legislative, executive, and judicial) Establishes a system of “checks and balances” The United States Constitution establishes a “federalist” system of government, with authority divided between the federal and state governments. The Constitution further allocates power among the three federal branches of government: the legislative, executive, and judicial branches. In dividing power, our “founding fathers” hoped to establish a system of “checks and balances” within government. Exhibit 5-1: The System of Checks and Balances Legislative Branch (. Congress) On Executive Branch: Can refuse to approve president’s budget Can overrule presidential vetoes Can refuse to approve presidential appointees Can refuse to ratify treaties Can impeach and remove president On Judicial Branch: Can pass amendments to overrule judicial rulings Can impeach judges Establishes lower courts and sets number of judges Exhibit 5-1 in the textbook describes the constitutional system of “checks and balances” established within the organizational framework of the federal government. In the “balance of power equation,” the United States Congress (the legislative branch) has certain control over the executive and judicial branches. In restricting the power of the executive branch, Congress can refuse to approve the president’s budget, overrule presidential vetoes, refuse to approve presidential appointees, refuse to ratify treaties, and impeach and remove the president. Congress also can restrict the power of the judicial branch, since it can pass . | Chapter 5 Constitutional Principles Copyright © 2015 McGraw-Hill Education. All rights reserved. No reproduction or distribution without the prior written consent of McGraw-Hill Education. Chapter 5: Constitutional Principles The United States Constitution Establishes a “federalist” system of government (with authority divided between the federal and state governments) Allocates power among the three federal branches of government (legislative, executive, and judicial) Establishes a system of “checks and balances” The United States Constitution establishes a “federalist” system of government, with authority divided between the federal and state governments. The Constitution further allocates power among the three federal branches of government: the legislative, executive, and judicial branches. In dividing power, our “founding fathers” hoped to establish a system of “checks and balances” within government. Exhibit 5-1: The System of Checks and Balances Legislative Branch (.
