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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.
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The __________ branch interprets laws and ensures they are constitutional.
The __________ branch interprets laws and ensures they are constitutional.
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Congress can pass laws, but the __________ can veto them.
Congress can pass laws, but the __________ can veto them.
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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.
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The system of checks and balances facilitates __________ decision-making by requiring collaboration.
The system of checks and balances facilitates __________ decision-making by requiring collaboration.
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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 __________.
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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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Description
Explore the intricate system of checks and balances in the United States government. Learn about the roles of the legislative, executive, and judicial branches, and how each branch has the power to limit the others to prevent tyranny. This quiz delves into the principles established by Montesquieu that safeguard individual rights.
