Separation of Powers

Legislative BranchARTICLE 1 OF THE CONSTITUTION

Legislative Branch= Congress

Congress is a Bicameral Legislature: 2 Houses

Make-up of Congress

John BoehnerSpeaker of the House

Mitch McConnell Senate Majority Leader

House of Representatives Senate

Determining Representation

Census - Every 10 years

- Determines population of each state- Changes amount of representatives each state gets in House of Representatives

Legislative Branch: Powers

- Declare War - Levy (Create & Collect) Taxes

- Coin Money - Borrow Money - Regulate Interstate trade (trade between states)

- Copyrights/Patents - Post Office

- Regulate Foreign Trade -Approve Foreign Treaties - Approve Justices (Senate) - Amend Constitution (one of the ways)

- Impeachment

Main Purpose: CREATE LAWS- Legislate

Impeachment Process • Impeach: a formal accusation of

wrongdoing by a public official

• The House of Reps. brings charges against the official.

• The Senate acts as the jury.

• In order to convict, 2/3 vote needed by members of the Senate

How a Bill Becomes a Law

Idea for New Law Committee

Action

Senate:Floor Action

H.O.R.:Floor Action

President:Sign Or

Veto

LAW

Back to Congress:2/3 majority of both Houses to override Veto

Congressional Dysfunction