2.7 | Understanding the System of Checks and Balances

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

• To give Congress the ability to control the Supreme Court

• To allow the president to make all decisions

• To let the judicial branch create laws

• To ensure that one branch does not become too powerful

Which branch of government has the power to veto a bill?

• Legislative

• Executive

• State

• Judicial

How can Congress override a presidential veto?

• By a unanimous vote in the Senate

• By a two-thirds vote in both houses

• By a simple majority vote in both houses

• By approval from the Supreme Court

What role does the Supreme Court play in the system of checks and balances?

• It can control military spending

• It can declare laws unconstitutional

• It can veto bills

• It can appoint members of Congress

Who has the power to declare war according to the U.S. Constitution?

• The Vice President

• Congress

• The Supreme Court

• The President

What is judicial review?

• The Supreme Court's power to declare laws unconstitutional

• The ability of Congress to review executive actions

• The power of the president to review laws

• The process of reviewing military actions

How are Supreme Court justices selected?

• They are elected by the public

• They are nominated by the president and approved by the Senate

• They are appointed by the state governors

• They are chosen by Congress

What happens if the Supreme Court declares a law unconstitutional?

• The law is overturned and no longer valid

• The law is sent back to Congress for revision

• The law is enforced until a new one is made

• The president can choose to ignore the decision

Which branch of government controls military spending?

• State

• Executive

• Judicial

• Legislative

What is an example of a check the legislative branch has on the judicial branch?

• The ability to veto Supreme Court decisions

• The power to appoint Supreme Court justices

• The ability to declare executive actions unconstitutional

• The power to approve or reject Supreme Court nominations