3.8 Preamble and Principles of Government Part 2: Checks and Balances

Vocabulary flashcards detailing the roles of the three branches of the U.S. government and their respective system of checks and balances.

Executive Branch

The branch of government led by the President that carries out laws.

Legislative Branch

The branch of government consisting of Congress that makes laws.

Judicial Branch

The branch of government consisting of the Supreme Court that interprets laws.

Executive Checks on the Legislative Branch

Checks that include proposing laws, vetoing laws, making appointments, and negotiating foreign treaties.

Executive Checks on the Judicial Branch

A check where the President appoints federal judges.

Legislative Checks on the Executive Branch

Checks that include overriding the President's veto, confirming executive appointments, ratifying treaties, declaring war, appropriating money, and impeaching and removing the President.

Legislative Checks on the Judicial Branch

Checks that include impeaching and removing judges, proposing amendments to overrule judicial decisions, and approving appointments of federal judges.

Judicial Check on the Executive Branch

The power of the Supreme Court to declare executive actions unconstitutional.

Judicial Check on the Legislative Branch

The power of the Supreme Court to declare acts of Congress unconstitutional.