Module 12 - Checks and Balances

Activity 1 : : Activity 2 : : Activity 3 : : Activity 4 : : Activity 5 : : Activity 6

Activity 3:  Readings

• Read the following chapters in The Struggle for Democracy. These readings outline the American federal system, the organization and responsibilities of the three branches of government, and the election and appointments that fill these branches.
  • Chapter 3: “Federalism as a System of Government” (pages 54-80)
  • Chapter 10: “The Electoral College” (pages 301-305), “American Elections: How Exceptional Compared with Others?” (pages 277-278)
  • Chapter 11: “Congress” (pages 310-346)
  • Chapter 13: “How the Executive Branch is Organized” (pages 386-403)
  • Chapter 14: “The Courts” (pages 411-441)
• Log on to Thinkwell, and read:
  • Thinkwell Program: Section 2.1 – The Three Branches of Government
  • Thinkwell Program: Section 2.2 – The American Federal System
  • Thinkwell Program: Section 2.3 – Election Cycles
  • Thinkwell Program: Section 2.16 – Getting Elected: the House, the Senate, and the President
  • Thinkwell Program: Section 2.17 – The Electoral College
  • Thinkwell Program: Section 2.5 – How a Bill Becomes Law