Podcast
Questions and Answers
The system of checks and balances is designed to prevent any one branch from becoming too __________.
The system of checks and balances is designed to prevent any one branch from becoming too __________.
powerful
The three branches of the U.S. government are legislative, executive, and __________ branches.
The three branches of the U.S. government are legislative, executive, and __________ branches.
judicial
The legislative branch, known as __________, is responsible for making laws.
The legislative branch, known as __________, is responsible for making laws.
Congress
The executive branch is led by the __________ who enforces laws.
The executive branch is led by the __________ who enforces laws.
The __________ branch interprets laws and ensures they are constitutional.
The __________ branch interprets laws and ensures they are constitutional.
Congress can pass laws, but the __________ can veto them.
Congress can pass laws, but the __________ can veto them.
The Supreme Court can declare laws __________, limiting the power of both Congress and the President.
The Supreme Court can declare laws __________, limiting the power of both Congress and the President.
The system of checks and balances facilitates __________ decision-making by requiring collaboration.
The system of checks and balances facilitates __________ decision-making by requiring collaboration.
The ideas for the system of checks and balances were inspired by thinkers like __________.
The ideas for the system of checks and balances were inspired by thinkers like __________.
The system ensures that power is distributed __________ and protects individual rights.
The system ensures that power is distributed __________ and protects individual rights.
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Study Notes
Checks and Balances
- The U.S. government has a system of checks and balances designed to prevent any one branch from becoming too powerful.
- The idea was inspired by Montesquieu who believed that dividing power among branches would prevent tyranny.
- The three branches are:
- Legislative: Congress, responsible for making laws
- Executive: President, responsible for enforcing laws
- Judicial: Supreme Court, responsible for interpreting laws and ensuring they are constitutional
- Each branch has powers to check the other branches:
- Congress can pass laws, but the President can veto them
- The President can nominate judges for the Supreme Court, but the Senate must confirm them
- The Supreme Court can declare laws unconstitutional, limiting the power of both Congress and the President
- Checks and balances are essential to protect individual rights and prevent any one branch from gaining absolute control.
- The system forces branches to work together and compromise, leading to better decision-making and preventing hasty or poorly considered decisions.
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