Name: Date:

Classwork Period
Separation of Powers

Use the chart below to explain the power of each branch.

Three Branches of Government

Legislative Branch Executive Branch Judicial Branch

1. Why are powers divided among separate branches?

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2. What does the phrase “checks and balances” mean?

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3. The separation and sharing of powers means that decisions are not made quickly. On the T-
chart below, list two advantages of this and two disadvantages of this process.

Advantages Disadvantages

1. Examine the picture on p. 15. Do you think separation of power will prevent this? Why
or why not?
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Name: Date:
Assignment: HW Team:

Read Chapter 39 in From Colonies to Country. Follow the directions to show active
reading.

1. What does legislation mean?

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2. Why is it good that the constitution is not terribly complicated?

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3. Name the 3 branches of government and explain each.

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4. What does the phrase “check and balance” mean?

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5. What does the national government do? What do state governments do?
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6. What were two ideas about government that the Framers of the Constitution
agreed on?
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7. How did the constitution help solve the problem of power?

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