Learning Objectives

After reading this chapter, you should be able to:

  • Describe the role of each branch of government.
  • Explain why the founders chose to structure each of the three branches of government as they did
  • Identify the ways in which federalism divides power between the national and state government.
  • Demonstrate how the flexibility built into the Constitution has allowed it to change with the times.
  • Discuss whether the Constitution fosters or limits citizen participation in government.