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Lesson 12: How does the Constitution limit the powers of our government?
Lesson Purpose
The Framers wanted to limit the powers of our national government. They wanted to be sure that no one group of people in government would have too much power. So, they divided the powers of government among three groups or branches. In this lesson, you will learn more about the separation of powers and checks and balances.
Lesson Objectives
When you have finished this lesson, you should be able to explain
- why the Framers separated the powers of our government and
- how the Constitution balances and checks the powers of each branch of government.
Lesson Terms
balancing powers
Balancing the powers of government means that no one branch is given so much power that it can completely control the other branches.
executive power
judicial power
legislative power
separation of powers
United States Supreme Court
