Focal Points the Articles of Confederations ·The federal system the three branches of the U.S.government Checks and balances -the legislative branch -the executive branch -the Judicial branch ·the Bill of Rights the political parties Focal Points • the Articles of Confederations • The federal system • the three branches of the U.S. government & Checks and balances -the legislative branch -the executive branch -the Judicial branch • the Bill of Rights • the political parties