Checks and Balances and Separation of Power

When the Supreme Court (judicial branch) declares a law of Congress (legislative branch) unconstitutional, this is an example of...

• executive privilege

• checks and balances

• separation of powers

• advice and consent

SS.7.C.1.7
Who interprets the law?

• Congress
• President
• Supreme Court
• The People

Th following statements describe two events relating to the U.S. government....

A. The U.S. Supreme Court declares a law created by Congress unconstitutional

B. Congress passes a new tax law and the Internal Revenue Service enforces it.

What constitutional principles are demonstrated in examples A and B?

• Example A: checks and balances; Example B: separation of powers

• Example A: checks and balances; Example B: judicial review

• Example A: separation of powers; Example B: individual rights

• Example A: separation of powers; Example B: checks and balances

The purpose of the system of checks and balances is to prevent:

• any branch from becoming too powerful.

• people from losing their rights.

• states from losing more power.

• the government from changing the Constitution.

Which of these is an example of the ability of Congress to check another branch?

• appointing judges

• approving nominations

• judicial review

• veto power

The veto is a president's constitutional right, given to him by the drafters of the Constitution because they wanted it as a check against irresponsible congressional action. The veto forces Congress to take another look at legislation that has been passed. I think this is a responsible tool for a president of the United States, and I have sought to use it responsibly.

—Gerald R. Ford, U.S. President, 1974-1976

Which principle of the Constitution is Ford discussing?

• checks and balances

• popular sovereignty

• separation of powers

• supremacy clause

What check does the U.S. Senate have on the president?

• issuing pardons

• appointing judges

• declaring laws unconstitutional

• refusing to confirm appointments

The division of power between three branches of government is known as:

• unconstitutional.

• separation of power.

• rule of law.

• judicial review.

The Supreme Court can turn down a law proposed by congress by declaring the law to be:

• ratified

• constitutional

• enumerated

• unconstitutional

What power is given to a president that allows them to say "no" to a law passed by Congress?

• Veto

• Unconstitutional

• Ratify

• Pardon