1.What is the “sequester?”2.Where did the sequester come from?3.If no one seems to want the sequester:

a. Why is it happening?b. Why don’t they reach an

agreement to avoid it?

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The Separation of PowersThe Federal Government is Divided into Three Branches

(So are all the state governments, by the way.)

I. Legislative BranchA. Makes the laws.B. Called CongressC. Elected by the people.

II. Executive BranchA. Carries out and enforces the laws.B. The President, Executive Departments, and

Independent Agencies.C. Chosen by the Electoral College.

III. Judicial BranchA. Interprets the laws and punishes lawbreakers.B. The Supreme Court and other federal courts.C. Appointed by the President (must be confirmed by the

Senate).

Examples of the Separation of Powers from the United States Constitution

Legislative Executive Judicial

Congress makes it The DEA catches Puts drug dealers illegal to import drugs. drug dealers. on trial.

Decides if laws andlaw enforcement is Constitutional.

Congress makes a law The IRS collects Holds trials for requiring everyone to taxes and catches people that getpay income tax. people who don’t pay. get caught. Decides

if tax laws are Constitutional.

Appropriates $50 billion NASA spends the ????????for space exploration. money and builds

the rockets.