Checks and Balances Flashcards

Questions and Answers

What is the purpose of checks and balances?

So no one person or group would seize power and control over the American government.

What are the most important checks and balances? (Select all that apply)

The judicial branch can check both the legislative and executive branches by declaring laws unconstitutional. (correct)

The executive branch can check the legislative branch by vetoing laws. (correct)

The executive branch can unilaterally change laws.

The legislative branch can check the executive branch by passing laws over the veto by a 2/3 vote. (correct)

What other checks and balances does the executive branch have over the judicial branch?

The president appoints all federal judges.

What other checks and balances does the legislative branch have over the executive branch?

The legislative branch must approve appointments that the president makes, Senate must approve treaties, and has impeachment power over federal officers. Signup and view all the answers

What other checks and balances does the legislative branch have over the judicial branch?

The legislative branch must approve the president's choices for judges and has impeachment power over federal officers. Signup and view all the answers

How can the Senate and House of Representatives check each other?

They can reject bills passed by each other, and the House has the sole power to start revenue bills. Signup and view all the answers

What are checks and balances on the people? (Select all that apply)

Only 1/3 of the Senate is elected at one time. Signup and view all the answers

What is the theory of federalism?

A division of power between the national government and the state government. Signup and view all the answers

What are enumerated powers?

Specific powers that belong to the federal government stated in the Constitution. Signup and view all the answers

What are implied powers?

The authority to pass laws that are 'necessary and proper' to fulfill the purpose of the Constitution. Signup and view all the answers

What are reserved powers?

Powers not delegated by the Constitution to the federal government are reserved to the states and the people. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Purpose of Checks and Balances

Prevents any individual or group from gaining excessive power in the American government.

Key Checks and Balances

Executive to Legislative: The President can veto laws passed by Congress.
Legislative to Executive: Congress can override a presidential veto with a two-thirds majority in both chambers.
Judicial to Legislative and Executive: The Supreme Court can declare laws unconstitutional, checking both branches.

Executive Branch Checks on Judicial Branch

The President has the authority to appoint all federal judges.

Legislative Branch Checks on Executive Branch

Congressional approval is required for presidential appointments.
The Senate must ratify treaties made by the President.
Congress has the power to conduct investigations of the executive branch.
Legislative branch holds impeachment power over all federal officials.

Legislative Branch Checks on Judicial Branch

Congressional approval is necessary for the President’s judicial appointments.
Legislative branch retains impeachment authority over federal judges.

Interaction Between Senate and House of Representatives

The Senate and House can block each other by rejecting proposed bills.
The House specifically has the sole authority to initiate revenue bills.

Checks and Balances on the People

The President is indirectly elected through the Electoral College, not directly by the populace.
Only one-third of the Senate is elected during each election cycle.
Federal judges are not elected by the public.

Theory of Federalism

Describes the division of power between national and state governments.

Enumerated Powers

Specific powers granted to the federal government as outlined in the Constitution.

Implied Powers

Congress has the authority to enact laws deemed "necessary and proper" for executing its responsibilities under the Constitution.

Reserved Powers

Any powers not specifically assigned to the federal government by the Constitution are reserved for the states and the people.

Description

Explore the essential concepts of checks and balances in the American government with this set of flashcards. Understand the mechanisms that prevent any one branch from overpowering the others and how various branches interact to maintain a balance of power.