Sourcing (Checks and Balances)

The United States Constitution establishes Separation of Powers.

Separation of Powers: The Constitution keeps the three branches of government (executive, legislative, and judicial) separate. The powers and responsibilities of each is described in a separate Article. Separation makes each Branch the equal of the others.

Also, the United States Constitution establishes Checks and Balances. 

Checks and Balances: The Constitutionally granted power for one branch of government to block action by an equal branch of government. The Constitution specifies instances in which one of the three branches can stop action by another. Historical precedents have established others.

After learning about Separation of Powers and Checks and Balances, two of the major principles of the Constitution of the United States, you will apply what you have learned by examining primary sources.