Understanding the U.S. Government's Checks and Balances

The video explains the system of checks and balances in the US government, where power is distributed among three branches: legislative, executive, and judicial. Each branch has distinct roles but can check the others to prevent any one branch from becoming too powerful. The legislative branch, or Congress, makes laws; the executive branch, led by the President, enforces laws; and the judicial branch, headed by the Supreme Court, interprets laws. Examples of checks and balances include the President's veto power, Congress's ability to override vetoes and impeach, and the Supreme Court's judicial review.

What is the primary purpose of the checks and balances system in the U.S. government?

• To give the judicial branch control over the legislative branch

• To prevent any single branch from becoming too powerful

• To allow the president to make all decisions

• To ensure one branch has more power than the others

How many members are there in the U.S. House of Representatives?

• 200

• 100

• 435

• 50

What must happen for a bill to become a law after passing both the House and the Senate?

• The Supreme Court must approve it

• The president must sign it

• The vice president must sign it

• It automatically becomes law

Who is the commander-in-chief of the United States?

• The Speaker of the House

• The Vice President

• The Chief Justice

• The President

What is the main role of the judicial branch?

• To make laws

• To enforce laws

• To veto laws

• To interpret laws

What is the process called when the Supreme Court reviews the constitutionality of a law?

• Judicial review

• Legislative oversight

• Executive privilege

• Congressional hearing

What happens if the president vetoes a bill?

• The bill is automatically discarded

• The bill returns to Congress for a possible override

• The Supreme Court decides on the bill

• The bill becomes law anyway

What majority is required in Congress to override a presidential veto?

• Simple majority

• Three-fourths majority

• Two-thirds majority

• Unanimous vote

Who has the power to impeach the president?

• The Supreme Court

• The Vice President

• The House of Representatives

• The Senate

What role does the Senate play in the impeachment process?

• They appoint a special prosecutor

• They initiate the impeachment

• They conduct the trial and vote on conviction

• They have no role