Checks and Balances

Multiple Choice

Which of the following best describes the purpose of checks and balances in a government?

• To ensure that no single branch becomes too powerful

• To make government decisions faster

• To eliminate the need for laws

• To increase the power of the president

Multiple Choice

Which vocabulary term means 'to reject or say no'?

• Veto

• Impeachment

• Pardon

• Unconstitutional

Multiple Choice

Which branch of government is responsible for making laws?

• Legislative Branch

• Executive Branch

• Judicial Branch

• Military Branch

Multiple Select

Select two powers that the Legislative Branch has as checks on the other branches.

• Can override presidential vetoes

• Can impeach and remove the President and judges

• Can nominate federal judges

• Can pick the president

Match

Based on the graphic, provide the "check"that each branch can use to balance power.

Each arrow is labelled with a number. For example, the arrow labelled with a "1" should

describe a check the executive branch can use against the legislative branch.

Example: 1 = Can veto laws

• approves presidential appointments

• impeaches judges

• can declare laws unconstitutional

• appoints judges

• can declare executive actions unconstitutional

2

3

4

5

6

• 2

• 3

• 4

• 5

• 6

Multiple Choice

Which of the following is a power of the judicial branch according to the system of checks and balances?

• Can declare laws unconstitutional

• Can veto a bill

• Can refuse to confirm a presidential nominee

• Can pardon someone convicted of a federal crime

Open Ended

In your own words, explain why checks and balances were included in the constitution and how they help keep power in balance.