3 Branches of Gov- Checks + Balances

Question 1

What are the 3 branches of the US government?

Answer 1

The Executive branch - The President, the VP, the cabinet.
The Legislative branch - Congress (HOR and Senate)
The Judicial Branch - The Supreme Court and other federal courts.

Question 2

Why are there different branches of the Government?

Answer 2

The separation of powers helps to avoid tyranny as the areas of government have checks and balances against each other.

Question 3

What powers does the President have to balance the Supreme Court?

Answer 3

.The President nominates all federal justices including those in the Supreme Court.
. The President can issue pardons and commutations to those convicted of a federal crime.

Question 4

What powers does the President have to balance Congress?

Answer 4

.The President can veto acts passed by Congress and often threaten to veto to dissuade Congress from passing an unwelcome measure.
. The President can issue executive orders to bypass the need for formal legislation.
. The President can use their Commander - in - Chief role to deploy US troops overseas, avoiding congressional approval of declaring war.

Question 5

What powers does the Supreme Court have to balance the President?

Answer 5

. The Courts can rule presidential actions unconstitutional and therefore illegal.

Question 6

What powers does the Supreme Court have to balance Congress?

Answer 6

. The Courts can declare acts of Congress to be unconsitutional and require them to be repealed.

Question 7

What powers does Congress have to balance the Supreme Court?

Answer 7

. Congress can impeach federal justices and remove them from Office.
. Constitutional amendments can be initiated to overturn Supreme Court verdicts.

Question 8

What powers does Congress have to balance the President?

Answer 8

. A Presidential veto can be overturned by a 2/3 supermajority in both houses.
. The Senate confirms Presidential appointments to the administration by a simple majority.
. Congress can impeach the President and can launch investigations into presidential actions where serious concerns are raised.
. Congress has the ‘power of the purse’ and can turn down funding.
. Congress can decline to pass legislation and can block treaties negotiated by the President.