AP Gov Topic 1.6

Multiple Choice

Which of the following is Madison most referring to the quote?

• separation of powers and checks and balances

• federalism

• republicanism

• popular sovereignty

Multiple Choice

The framers of the U.S. Constitution established both separation of powers and checks and balances. Which of the following best describes the difference between the two concepts?

• Separation of powers refers to dividing government authority among three branches, while checks and balances refers to each branch having tools to limit the power of the others.

• Separation of powers ensures each branch has equal power, while checks and balances ensures the branches remain completely independent of one another.

• Separation of powers requires that all laws be approved by the people, while checks and balances requires approval by all three branches.

• Separation of powers gives more power to the legislative branch, while checks and balances allows the judicial branch to overturn any law.

Open Ended

List at least three Constitutional powers of each of the three branches of government.

Draw

Draw a diagram that explains checks and balances.

Multiple Choice

Which of the following is an example of checks and balances in action in the United States government?

• The House and Senate cannot agree on the same version of a bill to send to the president.

• The president issues an executive order that freezes federal government hiring.

• The president vetoes a bill passed by Congress.

• The voters reject the status quo and elect all new members of Congress.

Multiple Choice

All of the following are ways that the legislative branch can check the powers of the executive branch EXCEPT:

• Congress may override a presidential veto.

• The Senate may refuse to approve a presidential appointment.

• Congress may remove the president through its impeachment and conviction powers.

• Congress may pass a law declaring a presidential action unconstitutional.

Multiple Choice

Which of the following is responsible for initiating the process of impeachment?

• the House of Representatives

• the Department of Justice

• the Senate

• the Supreme Court

Multiple Choice

Which of the following is true about impeachment?

• Two-thirds of the House must vote to formally charge in order to proceed

• the House holds a separate vote on each charge

• House committees are not involved in the impeachment process

• all are true

Multiple Choice

Impeachment trials are carried out by:

• the Department of Justice

• the House Committee on the Judiciary

• the Senate

• the Supreme Court

Multiple Choice

Who presides over an impeachment trial if the President or Vice-President has been charged?

• the chief justice of the Supreme Court

• the chair of the Senate judiciary committee

• the Senate Majority leader

• the Speaker of the House

Multiple Choice

What is needed in an impeachment trial in order to remove the civil officer from power?

• a three fourths majority vote

• a two thirds majority vote

• a unanimous vote

• a simple majority vote

Multiple Choice

How many times has the House of Representatives voted to formally impeach the President?

• 2

• 3

• 4

• 5

Open Ended

Explain, in the context of the scenario, how impeachment serves as a check on executive power.