Understanding Checks and Balances

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

• To ensure that the president has more power than Congress

• To make sure that power is balanced between the branches

• To allow the judicial branch to make all decisions

• To give the legislative branch control over the military

Answer explanation

The main purpose of the system of checks and balances is to make sure that power is balanced between the branches of government, preventing any one branch from becoming too powerful.

Which branch of government has the power to approve the president's choices for judges?

• The executive branch

• The judicial branch

• The legislative branch

• The military branch

Answer explanation

The legislative branch, specifically the Senate, has the authority to approve or reject the president's nominations for judges, making it the correct answer.

What can the Supreme Court do if it finds a law passed by Congress to be unconstitutional?

• Rewrite the law

• Veto the law

• Declare the law unconstitutional

• Send the law back to Congress for revision

Answer explanation

The Supreme Court can declare a law unconstitutional if it violates the Constitution. This means the law is invalid and cannot be enforced, which is the correct action in this scenario.

What process allows Congress to remove a president or judge from office?

• Veto

• Impeachment

• Filibuster

• Judicial review

Answer explanation

The process that allows Congress to remove a president or judge from office is called impeachment. This involves charging the official with misconduct, which can lead to removal if convicted by the Senate.

If the president vetoes a law, what can Congress do to still pass the law?

• Rewrite the law

• Overrule the veto with enough votes

• Ask the Supreme Court to approve it

• Send it to the states for approval

Answer explanation

If the president vetoes a law, Congress can still pass it by overruling the veto with a two-thirds majority vote in both the House and Senate. This is the only way to bypass the president's disapproval.

Who has the power to pick people to serve as judges in the federal government?

• The Senate

• The Supreme Court

• The president

• Congress

Answer explanation

The president has the authority to nominate judges to the federal government, including the Supreme Court, with the advice and consent of the Senate. Therefore, the correct answer is the president.

Which branch of government can declare a law unconstitutional?

• The executive branch

• The legislative branch

• The judicial branch

• The military branch

Answer explanation

The judicial branch has the authority to interpret laws and determine their constitutionality. This power, known as judicial review, allows courts to declare laws unconstitutional if they violate the Constitution.

What is one way the legislative branch can check the power of the executive branch?

• By declaring laws unconstitutional

• By approving or rejecting presidential appointments

• By vetoing laws

• By appointing judges

Answer explanation

The legislative branch checks the executive by approving or rejecting presidential appointments, ensuring that the president's choices for key positions are subject to legislative oversight.

Which branch of government is responsible for making laws?

• The executive branch

• The legislative branch

• The judicial branch

• The military branch

Answer explanation

The legislative branch is responsible for making laws. It consists of elected representatives who debate and pass legislation, unlike the executive branch, which enforces laws, and the judicial branch, which interprets them.

What is the role of the president in the system of checks and balances when it comes to laws passed by Congress?

• To declare them unconstitutional

• To approve or veto them

• To rewrite them

• To enforce them without question

Answer explanation

The president's role in checks and balances includes the power to approve or veto laws passed by Congress, ensuring that no law can take effect without executive consent.