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Questions and Answers
Why is checks and balances important?
Why is checks and balances important?
Each branch of government has some form of power over the other branches. If one branch tries to become too powerful or takes actions not allowed by the Constitution, the other branches can use checks and balances to restore balance and order.
Which branch of government can impeach officials?
Which branch of government can impeach officials?
- Judicial Branch
- Legislative Branch (correct)
- Executive Branch
- None of the above
What can the President do regarding legislation?
What can the President do regarding legislation?
The President can veto legislation approved by Congress.
What is the role of the Supreme Court in checks and balances?
What is the role of the Supreme Court in checks and balances?
The President is the head of the legislative branch.
The President is the head of the legislative branch.
The two parts of the legislative branch are the House of ______ and the Senate.
The two parts of the legislative branch are the House of ______ and the Senate.
What is the group of department heads that advise the President called?
What is the group of department heads that advise the President called?
Who appoints federal judges?
Who appoints federal judges?
What are the three levels of the federal court system?
What are the three levels of the federal court system?
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Study Notes
Importance of Checks and Balances
- Each government branch holds power over others to prevent any single branch from becoming too powerful.
- Facilitates restoration of balance and order if actions contrary to the Constitution are attempted.
Legislative Branch Checks and Balances
- The House of Representatives has the authority to impeach government officials, akin to a criminal indictment.
- The Senate can remove officials from office following impeachment.
- Senate approval is required for certain executive appointments and treaty ratifications.
- Congress can override a Presidential veto with a two-thirds majority vote.
- Congress has the power to amend the Constitution.
Executive Branch Checks and Balances
- The President possesses the ability to veto legislation passed by Congress.
- Federal judges and the heads of Cabinet departments are appointed by the President.
- The President can convene Congress in special sessions as needed.
Judicial Branch Checks and Balances
- The Supreme Court has the power to interpret treaties and assess their constitutionality.
- It can declare executive actions or laws unconstitutional.
- The Supreme Court interprets laws that guide the functioning of government.
Key Points to Remember
- The legislative branch is divided into two parts: the House of Representatives and the Senate.
- The President is the executive branch's leader, supported by the Cabinet.
- The federal court system includes district courts, appellate courts, and the Supreme Court.
- Federal judges are appointed by the President but must be approved by the Senate.
- Each government branch maintains checks and balances to ensure constitutional adherence.
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