U2 STUDY GUIDE: Branches of Government

Shaw v. Reno (1993)

• Racial gerrymandering is unconstitutional.

• Districts drawn with race as the main factor are not allowed

Baker v. Carr (1962)

• Established "one person, one vote" rule.

• Focused on population equality in districts

Federalist No. 78

• Judges are appointed for life to protect their independence.

• Introduced the principle of judicial review: courts can declare laws unconstitutional

Federalist No. 70

• Advocated for a single, strong president.

• Argued that a single executive would act more decisively and effectively than multiple executives

Separation of Powers

• Divides government into three branches (Executive, Legislative, Judicial) to prevent any one branch from gaining too much power.

• Each branch has distinct powers and responsibilities

Presidential Powers

• Formal Powers: Veto, commander-in-chief, pardon power.

• Informal Powers: Executive agreements, persuasion, executive orders.

Congress Checks the Executive

• Can override presidential vetoes with a two-thirds majority.

• Approves presidential appointments (judges, cabinet members).

• Can impeach and remove the president from office

Congress Checks the Judiciary

• Confirms judicial appointments (Supreme Court judges).

• Can propose constitutional amendments to override judicial decisions.

• Can impeach and remove judges

Executive Checks Congress

• Can veto bills passed by Congress.

• Can call special sessions of Congress.

• Can issue pardons for those convicted under federal law

Executive Checks the Judiciary

• Appoints federal judges, including Supreme Court justices.

• Can grant pardons and reprieves.

• Can influence the interpretation of laws through executive orders

Judiciary Checks Congress

• Can declare laws passed by Congress unconstitutional (judicial review).

• Can interpret laws passed by Congress in court cases.

• Can limit the scope of laws passed by Congress through rulings

Judiciary Checks the Executive

• Can declare executive actions unconstitutional.

• Can issue injunctions to stop executive actions.

• Interprets laws that the executive branch enforces.