Checks and Balances

Vocabulary:

the system that allows each branch of government to limit the power of the other branches

• checks and balances

• federalism

• judicial review

• popular sovereignty

What is the purpose of the system of checks and balances?

• to list responsibilities of elected officials

• to make it difficult to amend the Constitution

• to prevent any one branch from becoming too powerful

• to share power between state and national governments

How does the president check the power of Congress?

• Can nominate Supreme Court justices

• Can reject laws that are unconstitutional

• Can veto bills passed by Congress

How does the Supreme Court prevent the president and Congress from abusing their power?

• Can declare laws and acts unconstitutional

• Can nominate justices

• Can override vetoes

How does Congress check the power of the president?

• Can declare laws unconstitutional

• Can nominate justices

• can override the president's veto