Changes

The most important part of the Constitution to understand is Article I.  The Founders viewed Congress as more important than the president or Supreme Court.

The most important part of the Constitution to understand is Article I.  The Founders viewed Congress as more important than the president or Supreme Court.

==='''VI. Checks and Balances/[[Separation of Powers]]'''===

==='''VI. [[Checks and Balances]]/[[Separation of Powers]]'''===

The phrase “checks and balances” is one of the most popular terms used in connection with the Constitution.  You’ll hear it on television and see it in the newspaper.  It refers to the separation of powers between the three branches of the federal government, and how one branch will act to limit the power of a competing branch.

The phrase “[[checks and balances]]” is one of the most popular terms used in connection with the Constitution.  You’ll hear it on television and see it in the newspaper.  It refers to the separation of powers between the three branches of the federal government, and how one branch will act to limit the power of a competing branch.

For example, Congress insisted that President Bush not invade Iraq unless Congress first authorized it.  This “checked” the power of the presidency.  It added “balance” to our government by ensuring that the president could not act alone, but needed agreement by Congress.

For example, Congress insisted that President Bush not invade Iraq unless Congress first authorized it.  This “checked” the power of the presidency.  It added “balance” to our government by ensuring that the president could not act alone, but needed agreement by Congress.