checks and balances 2.0

Question 1

Define checks and Balance

Answer 1

Checks and Balances can be defined as the abilities and powers that are exclusively given to one branch of government in order to ‘check’ the actions of the other branches. These powers are often constitutionally enshrined.

Checks and Balances are often given in the form of powers that are reserved exclusively to that branch.

Question 2

checks from the congress

Answer 2

• Passes Laws
• Power of the Purse
• Declarations of War
• Congressional Hearings & Investigations
• Executive Appointment Hearings ‘advice and consent powers’
• Power of Impeachment
• Veto Override

Question 3

Checks from the Executive

Answer 3

• Presidential Veto
• Commands armed forces in military action
• Use of Executive Orders
• Executive appointments such as Judges

Question 4

Checks by the Supreme Court

Answer 4

Rules whether laws are unconstitutional
Determines whether executive actions are unconstitutional.

Checks and balances were introduced in order to prevent a government from becoming too tyrannical, this was the paramount fear of the Founding Fathers after their experiences of British rule.