US Checks & Balances — Honors American Government

What is the purpose of checks and balances?

To prevent one branch from becoming too powerful.

What is the difference between separation of powers and checks and balances?

Separation of powers divides government powers; checks and balances lets branches limit each other.

What are the 3 branches of the federal government and their main responsibilities?

Legislative makes laws; Executive enforces laws; Judicial interprets laws.

Why did the Framers divide government power among three branches?

To prevent one branch from becoming too powerful.

What are 2 ways Congress can check the President?

Override a veto and control government funding.

What is a presidential veto, and how can Congress respond?

A veto is when the President rejects a bill; Congress can override it.

What percentage of votes is needed to override a presidential veto?

Two-thirds (2/3) in both the House and Senate.

What is the power of the purse?

Congress controls government spending and funding.

How does the Senate check the President's power to appoint officials?

The Senate must approve many of the President's nominees.

How does the Senate check the President's power to make treaties?

The Senate must approve treaties with a 2/3 vote.

How can Congress check the federal judiciary?

Congress can impeach judges and control funding.

What is one way the President can check Congress?

The President can veto bills.

How does the President's power to nominate federal judges check the judicial branch?

The President chooses nominees for federal judgeships.

What is a presidential pardon?

A pardon forgives a federal crime and shows presidential power over federal criminal cases.

What is judicial review?

The power of courts to declare laws unconstitutional.

How can the judicial branch check Congress?

It can declare laws unconstitutional.

How can the judicial branch check the President?

It can declare presidential actions unconstitutional.

Which chamber of Congress has the power to impeach federal officials?

The House of Representatives.

Which chamber of Congress conducts the impeachment trial?

The Senate.

What vote is required in the Senate to convict an impeached federal official?

A 2/3 vote.

What is the difference between impeachment and removal from office?

Impeachment is being formally charged; removal happens after Senate conviction.

The President vetoes a bill. Which branch is checking which branch?

The Executive branch is checking the Legislative branch.

The Senate rejects the President's Supreme Court nominee. What principle does this demonstrate?

Checks and balances.

Congress refuses to fund a presidential program. What power is Congress using?

The power of the purse.

The Supreme Court says a federal law violates the Constitution. What power is it exercising?

Judicial review.

Why are checks and balances important?

They prevent one branch from becoming too powerful.

What document contains the laws of the United States?

U.S. Code.

What is the main function of the executive branch?

To enforce laws.

What is the main function of the legislative branch?

To make laws.

What is the main function of the judicial branch?

To interpret laws.

Why is the legislative branch an example of representative government?

Voters elect representatives to make laws for them.