Checks and Balances Lesson

Checks and

Balances

Separation of Powers in American Government

What was the most important principle that
guided the Constitution?
CQ

Why is it important for each branch of
government to have the power to keep
each other in check?
SQ

Compelling & Supporting Questions

Open Ended

Why is it important to keep the other branches in check?

Content Statement

12. Law and public policy are created and

implemented by three

branches of government; each functions with

its own set of

powers and responsibilities.

Think about the relevance

●What are the three branches of
government?

●How do the decisions made by the
government affect our lives?

Multiple Select

What are the three branches of government? (Select all that apply)

• Judicial

• Executive

• Legislative

• Independent

• Republican

—Baron De
Montesquieu

“It is necessary from the very nature of things that

power should be a check to power”

Lesson objectives

Interpret

Students will interpret

the different ways
each branched is

checked

Put it together

Students will

associate checks and
balances to historical

examples

Take-off

Students will

understand the need

for checks and

balances

Executive Branch checks

How does the Executive Branch check the Legislative Branch?

●The President can veto legislation passed by Congress.

●The President can call special sessions of Congress.

How does the Executive Branch check the Judicial Branch?

●The President appoints federal judges, including Supreme Court
justices, with the approval of the Senate.

●The President can pardon individuals convicted of federal crimes.

Legislative Branch checks

Legislative Branch Checks Executive Branch:

●Congress can impeach and remove the President or other executive officials.

●Congress controls the budget and can refuse to fund executive initiatives.

●Congress can override a presidential veto with a two-thirds majority vote.

●The Senate must approve treaties and presidential appointments.

Legislative Branch Checks Judicial Branch:

●Congress can impeach and remove federal judges.

●Congress can propose amendments to the Constitution to overturn judicial
decisions.

Judicial Branch checks

Judicial Branch Checks Executive and Legislative Branches:

●The courts can declare executive actions and laws unconstitutional through the
process of judicial review.

School Policy Activity

Checks and Balances Activity

1. Your table group is your branch

2.

With your table, discuss a school policy, you will have 2 minutes

3.

Write the policy down and trade it off clockwise

4.

When you receive the other groups policy, discuss with your group
if you will accept or decline it

5.

Trade back and tell us if it was accepted or declined

Open Ended

What is the school policy you came up with?

Why is it important for each branch of
government to have the power to

keep each other in check?

How can we use these constitutional
ideals in our everyday lives?

Wrap-up

Open Ended

How can we use this government policy in our everyday lives?