Checks and Balances Flashcards
What is the primary purpose of checks and balances in the U.S. government?
To prevent any one branch from gaining too much power.
True or False: The U.S. Constitution establishes three branches of government.
True
Fill in the blank: The three branches of government are the ______, ______, and ______.
Legislative, Executive, Judicial
Which branch of government is responsible for making laws?
Legislative branch
What is the role of the Executive branch?
To enforce and implement laws.
Who has the power to veto legislation?
The President
True or False: The Supreme Court can review laws to determine their constitutionality.
True
What is judicial review?
The power of the courts to declare laws unconstitutional.
Which body has the power to impeach the President?
The House of Representatives
What is required for the Senate to convict and remove a President from office?
A two-thirds majority vote.
What is the term for the system that ensures each branch of government can limit the powers of the others?
Checks and balances
Who confirms presidential appointments to the federal judiciary?
The Senate
True or False: Congress can override a presidential veto.
True
What majority is needed in Congress to override a veto?
A two-thirds majority in both houses.
Fill in the blank: The President can issue ______ to manage the operations of the federal government.
Executive orders
What is the significance of the Federalist Papers in relation to checks and balances?
They argued for the necessity of checks and balances in government.
Which amendment established the process for presidential succession?
The 25th Amendment
What power does Congress have to check the Executive branch?
The power to impeach and remove the President.
True or False: The Judicial branch can check the power of the Legislative branch.
True
What is one way the Legislative branch can check the power of the Executive branch?
By approving or rejecting the President’s budget.
Fill in the blank: The system of checks and balances is designed to maintain ______ within the government.
Separation of powers
Who has the power to declare war?
Congress
What is the role of the Vice President in the Senate?
To preside over Senate sessions and cast tie-breaking votes.
What is an example of a check the Judicial branch has over the Legislative branch?
The ability to declare laws unconstitutional.
