Checks & Balances

Question 1

Executive check on the Legislative

Answer 1

• The president can veto congressional approval
• The president can recommend laws to pass
• The president can call special sessions of Congress
  **Only branch that can veto

Question 2

Executive check on the Judicial

Answer 2

• The president can nominate judges
• The president can grant reprieves and pardons

Question 3

Real-life examples of Executive checks

Answer 3

Judicial:
- President Trump appointing Justices Brett Kavanagh and Amy Coney Barrett
- President Biden appointing Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson
**Trump’s appointment of Kavanagh and Barrett changed the direction of SCOTUS

Question 4

Legislative checks on the Executive

Answer 4

• Can override presidential veto w/ 2/3’s vote
• Can impeach a president
• Can refuse presidential appointments
• Can ratify treaties
• Can declare war

Question 5

Legislative checks on the Judicial

Answer 5

• Can impeach justices
• Confirms the president’s nominations
• Can propose amendments
• Can create lower courts

Question 6

Judicial checks on the Executive

Answer 6

• Can rule that a presidential action is unconstitutional
• Judges appointed serve for life

Question 7

Judicial checks on the Legislative

Answer 7

• Can declare laws unconstitutional