Answer:
The two themes I choose:
- <u>Separation of Powers</u>
The "Separation of Powers" states that governmental powers are to be evenly split between "x" amount of branches, x being determined by the Founding Fathers. Each of these branches are given a certain power (or job) that they need to do. For example, The Powers were separated and given to 3 branches:
Executive Branch: This branch is has the power to create a bill, as well as veto, line-veto, give ideas on what to change in a bill, create diplomatic relations with countries, ask congress to start wars, set up Judicial Judges.
Legislative Branch: This branch has the power to create bills, pass the bill, declare war, regulate commerce, control taxation and spending policies, veto or approve Judicial Judges.
Judicial Branch: This branch has the power to impeach Presidents, declare a law or bill as unconstitutional, have the last word on cases that reaches the Supreme Court.
- <u>Checks and Balances</u>
As stated above, there are 3 branches. Each of these branches (I will reiterate what i said) have the powers over the other, so as to not be able to overstep their bounds. Think of it as a triangle, in which they have more power and less power than the others.
<u>Executive Branch</u>:
<u>Powers</u>:
Veto/Pass Bills
Instate Judges
Start relations with other countries
<u>Weakness</u>:
Can be impeached
Veto can be overturned by Congress; Bills passed can be overturned by the Supreme Court
Must ask Congress to start wars if relations turn sour
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<u>Legislative Branch:</u>
<u>Powers</u>:
Able to pass laws
Able to declare war
Able to regulate country and foreign commerce
Able to control taxes and how the government spends its funds
<u>Weakness</u>:
Congressmen & women can be replaced
Laws passed can be vetoed/declared unconstitutional
<u>Judicial Branch</u>:
<u>Powers</u>:
Life long term if appointed unless... (which would be put in weakness)
Able to declare laws unconstitutional
Able to have final word in how laws would be interpreted
<u>Weaknesses:</u>
Judges can be replaced
Rulings can be changed if the law is changed later on
