Three Branches of Government and Checks & Balances

Which branch of government is responsible for interpreting the Constitution and determining if laws are constitutional?

• Legislative Branch

• Executive Branch

• Judicial Branch

• State Branch

Answer explanation

The Judicial Branch is responsible for interpreting the Constitution and determining if laws are constitutional. This branch includes the Supreme Court, which has the final say on legal disputes regarding constitutional issues.

What power does Congress have over the President's appointments?

• They can impeach the appointee

• They must confirm major appointments

• They can override the appointment

• They can dismiss the appointee at will

Answer explanation

Congress has the power to confirm major appointments made by the President, such as Cabinet members and federal judges. This ensures a system of checks and balances, preventing the President from unilaterally appointing key officials.

How can the President check the power of Congress?

• By declaring laws unconstitutional

• By vetoing legislation

• By dissolving Congress

• By writing new laws

Answer explanation

The President can check Congress's power by vetoing legislation, which prevents bills from becoming law unless Congress overrides the veto. This is a key check on legislative authority.

Which branch has the power to declare war?

• Executive Branch

• Legislative Branch

• Judicial Branch

• Joint agreement of all branches

Answer explanation

The power to declare war is granted to the Legislative Branch by the U.S. Constitution. This ensures that elected representatives, rather than the President alone, make such significant decisions.

What check does the Judicial Branch have over the Executive Branch?

• Can remove the President from office

• Can declare executive orders unconstitutional

• Can write new laws

• Can appoint new cabinet members

Answer explanation

The Judicial Branch can declare executive orders unconstitutional, serving as a check on the Executive Branch's power. This ensures that the actions of the President comply with the Constitution.

Who has the power to override a presidential veto?

• The Supreme Court

• State governments

• Congress with a two-thirds majority

• The Cabinet

Answer explanation

Congress has the power to override a presidential veto with a two-thirds majority vote in both the House of Representatives and the Senate, making this the correct answer.

What are the minimum requirements to become President of the United States?

• 30 years old, natural-born citizen, 7 years U.S. residency

• 35 years old, natural-born citizen, 14 years U.S. residency

• 35 years old, U.S. citizen, 7 years U.S. residency

• 40 years old, natural-born citizen, 14 years U.S. residency

Answer explanation

To be President of the United States, one must be at least 35 years old, a natural-born citizen, and have resided in the U.S. for 14 years. Therefore, the correct choice is 35 years old, natural-born citizen, 14 years U.S. residency.

What is the term length for a U.S. Senator?

• 2 years

• 4 years

• 6 years

• 8 years

Answer explanation

A U.S. Senator serves a term of 6 years. This is established by the Constitution, ensuring stability and continuity in the Senate, as opposed to shorter terms like 2 or 4 years.

What are the requirements to become a U.S. Representative?

• 25 years old, U.S. citizen for 7 years, state resident

• 30 years old, U.S. citizen for 9 years, district resident

• 35 years old, natural-born citizen, district resident

• 21 years old, U.S. citizen for 5 years, state resident

Answer explanation

To become a U.S. Representative, one must be at least 25 years old, a U.S. citizen for 7 years, and a resident of the state they represent. This makes the correct choice: 25 years old, U.S. citizen for 7 years, state resident.

How many terms can a President serve?

• No limit

• One term only

• Two terms maximum

• Three terms maximum

Answer explanation

A President can serve a maximum of two terms, as established by the 22nd Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. This limits the presidency to ensure a rotation of leadership and prevent any one individual from holding too much power.