The Court Defines Itself Gateway
Separation of Powers
Separation of Powers, Wikipedia
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Separation_of_powers
This site, part of the free encyclopedia Wikipedia, offers clear and well explained information on the Separation of Powers. The majority of the information deals with the United States and its three-branch government, although systems in other countries are also explored. Charts show clearly how powers are kept separate in the three branches of government, and how checks and balances work in the U.S. system. Fourth branch checks are also discussed (the press and independent executive agencies). A bonus of this site is that many names, words and phrases are linked to further information and definitions. This site is an informative one and could be useful for teachers as well as for students doing research on the separation of powers and on checks and balances in the U.S. governing system. Wikipedia is written, edited and added to by registered users and so the content may change.
National Constitution Center
Separation of Powers and a System of Checks and Balances
Part of the National Constitution Center, this site offers a brief explanation of the separation of powers. The value of this site is a link which goes to the section of an Interactive Constitution which refers to the separation of powers. This section includes both an explanation of the Constitution and a viewpoint, both taken from The Words We Live, by Linda Monk. Although brief, this is an informative site and would give students a starting point for research on this subject.
Exploring Constitutional Conflicts
Separation of Powers
http://www.law.umkc.edu/faculty/projects/ftrials/conlaw/separationofpowers.htm
This site, part of an extensive Exploring Constitutional Law site, explores the issue of encroachment by one branch of government on another. Specifically, it looks at this issue from a constitutional standpoint and Supreme Court decisions on specific cases which involved this issue. The site offers information which allows readers to come to their own conclusion as to the constitutionality of the actions and cases described. Links to additional cases are included, as are a number of questions designed for students. This is an excellent site for teachers and could be a good site for students as well, primarily eleventh graders and older due to the vocabulary used.
Judicial Powers
Findlaw: US Constitution: Article III
http://caselaw.lp.findlaw.com/data/constitution/article03/
The Findlaw website is designed for legal professionals and law students; the information it offers is thorough and detailed. This section of the website presents Article III of the Constitution, which deals with Judicial Powers, and also with Treason. Following the language of Article III are extensive annotations, which give historical information as well as detailed explanations of this part of the Constitution. Due to its detail and complexity, this site would be most valuable to teachers and to upper level students.
Findlaw: US Constitution: Judicial Review
http://caselaw.lp.findlaw.com/data/constitution/article03/13.html
This part of the Findlaw website presents the history of Judicial Review. Marbury v. Madison is described, as are limitations on the exercise of Judicial Review. Numerous footnotes (incorporated into the text) are linked to additional information, including definitions and complete cases. This is a detailed and informative site for teachers who are researching this topic, and could also be useful for students, although due to its complexity would be most accessible to upper level students.
Exploring Constitutional Conflicts
Judicial Review
http://www.law.umkc.edu/faculty/projects/ftrials/conlaw/judicialrev.htm
This site, part of an extensive Exploring Constitutional Law site, examines the question: Does the Constitution give the Supreme Court the power to invalidate the actions of other branches of government? Information about and implications of the Marbury v. Madison case are presented. Sections of the Constitution which speak to this issue are also discussed and thought provoking questions are included. This is an interesting and informative site for both teachers and students studying the Constitution.
Thomas Jefferson on Politics and Government: Judicial Review
http://etext.lib.virginia.edu/jefferson/quotations/jeff1030.htm
This site presents Jefferson's opinions regarding Judicial Review. Although Marbury v. Madison, which established Judicial Review, was decided during Jefferson's first term as president, he apparently opposed it because he thought it violated the principle of separation of powers. This site offers numerous quotes from primary source documents such as letters and other documents written by Jefferson to support this view. It is an interesting site and would be useful for teachers and students who are researching this topic and the issues surrounding it.