Podcast
Questions and Answers
Which action demonstrates the legislative branch's check on the executive branch?
Which action demonstrates the legislative branch's check on the executive branch?
- The Supreme Court declares a law passed by Congress unconstitutional.
- The Senate approves the President's nomination for Secretary of State. (correct)
- The President appoints federal judges with lifetime tenure.
- The President vetoes a bill passed by Congress.
The President can independently create new laws without the consent of Congress due to the system of checks and balances.
The President can independently create new laws without the consent of Congress due to the system of checks and balances.
False (B)
Explain how the power of judicial review, held by the Supreme Court, acts as a check on both the legislative and executive branches.
Explain how the power of judicial review, held by the Supreme Court, acts as a check on both the legislative and executive branches.
Judicial review allows the Supreme Court to declare actions of the executive branch or laws passed by Congress unconstitutional, thus limiting their power.
If the Supreme Court declares a law unconstitutional, Congress can attempt to override this decision by proposing a(n) __________ to the Constitution.
If the Supreme Court declares a law unconstitutional, Congress can attempt to override this decision by proposing a(n) __________ to the Constitution.
Match each action to the branch of government that performs it as a check on another branch:
Match each action to the branch of government that performs it as a check on another branch:
Which scenario best illustrates the principle of checks and balances in action?
Which scenario best illustrates the principle of checks and balances in action?
The system of checks and balances ensures that each branch of government operates in complete isolation, preventing any overlap of responsibilities.
The system of checks and balances ensures that each branch of government operates in complete isolation, preventing any overlap of responsibilities.
Explain the potential consequences if one branch of the government becomes significantly more powerful than the others, disregarding the principle of checks and balances.
Explain the potential consequences if one branch of the government becomes significantly more powerful than the others, disregarding the principle of checks and balances.
Flashcards
Checks and Balances
Checks and Balances
The principle where each branch of government limits the power of the other two.
Legislative Branch
Legislative Branch
Congress; includes the House of Representatives and the Senate.
Executive Branch
Executive Branch
The President of the United States.
Judicial Branch
Judicial Branch
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Presidential Veto
Presidential Veto
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Appropriates Funds
Appropriates Funds
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Impeach
Impeach
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Unconstitutional
Unconstitutional
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Study Notes
- The framers of the Constitution knew too much power in one place could be dangerous.
- The Constitution created three separate branches of government to prevent any one part becoming too powerful.
- This separation of powers creates a system of checks and balances.
- Each branch can check, or limit, the power of the other two.
- This helps maintain a balance of power between the three branches.
Executive Branch (The President)
- Can veto (reject) bills passed by Congress.
- Appoints Supreme Court justices.
Legislative Branch (Congress - House and Senate)
- Congress appropriates funds to run the government and approves programs.
- The Senate must approve treaties and presidential appointments.
- Congress can impeach and remove a president for crimes and misconduct.
- Congress can revise a law, write a new one, or propose amendments (changes) to the Constitution, if the Supreme Court rules that a law is unconstitutional.
- Congress may impeach and remove judges from office.
- The Senate approves appointments of justices.
Judicial Branch (The Supreme Court and Other Courts)
- Supreme Court justices may declare executive branch actions unconstitutional.
- The court can declare laws passed by Congress unconstitutional.
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