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.