Evaluate the view that the checks and balances in the US Constitution are effective (2023)

AGREE 1

Checks and balances can prevent tyranny as it ensures no single branch becomes overly powerful.

Congress makes laws, Presidents confirms/vetoes and implements laws, Judiciary enforces and interprets the law.

Obama vetoed 12 bills during his presidency

Trump 10 (1^st term) – 2020 vetoed Iran war powers resolution which would have limited the president’s authority to use military force against Iran without congressional approval.

DISAGREE 1

Checks and balances can be an obstacle to effective government as they can slow down or block decision – making.

2025-6 the govt shutdown for 43 days as congress was unable to come to an agreement on the budget

AGREE 2

SC can check on congress and president through judicial review to uphold citizens’ rights.

the Court ruled that part of the Affordable Care Act requiring states to expand Medicaid or lose existing federal funding was an unconstitutional overreach of federal power.

DISAGREE 2

Politicisation of SC limits effectiveness of checks and balances as president can appoint those who align with his ideology

trump 3x conservative SC judges ->    6-3 conservative majority. Dobbs v Jackson Women’s Health Organization - overturning of roe v wade.

AGREE 3

Other branches have been able to challenge the presidents exec orders

SCOTUS struck down Obamas DAPA scheme, which extended immigration protections to parents of U.S citizens, ruling that it exceeded executive authority because congress in the law-making branch

DISAGREE 3

Exec branch has become too powerful. Can use exec orders to bypass congress and implement policies.

Obama used executive orders to pass the DACA scheme which allowed immigrants who came to the US as children to work and live in the US legally.