To What Extent Can One Sector Dominate Government Decision Making

Question 1

Checks and Balances

Answer 1

• President Veto legislation passed by Legislative branch *President Trump used veto to unblock weapon sale to Saudi Arabia.
• Legislative can overturn with 2/3 of each house *Obama overturn law to stop families of 9/11 victims to sue the Saudi government.

Question 2

Patronage

Answer 2

• President’s appointments need approval of senate *Obama’s appointee Merrick Garland rejected by senate.
• This check doesn’t work if senate is controlled *Trump’s appointee Amy Coney Barrett accepted

Question 3

Foreign Policy

Answer 3

• Check of war deceleration no longer works

* last time it was used was in 1941

Question 4

Executive Action

Answer 4

• Presidents executive actions can be over-ruled by next president with ease *President Biden Paris Climate Agreement
• Executive action can be blocked by the Supreme Court.