1.9 Understanding Constitutional Limits on Power

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

• To allow the President to make laws

• To prevent any one branch from becoming too powerful

• To give Congress unlimited power

• To eliminate the judicial branch

What does the term "individual rights" refer to in the U.S. Constitution?

• Rights held by the government

• Rights guaranteed to each person

• Rights only for elected officials

• Rights for foreign citizens

Which principle ensures that laws apply equally to all citizens?

• Rule of law

• Separation of powers

• Checks and balances

• Due process

What is due process of law?

• The right to vote

• Fair treatment through the judicial system

• The power to make laws

• The ability to veto bills

Which of the following is an example of separation of powers?

• Congress passes a law, the President enforces it, and the Supreme Court interprets it

• The President makes all laws

• The Supreme Court enforces laws

• Congress interprets laws

How does the system of checks and balances work between Congress and the President?

• Congress can override a presidential veto with a two-thirds vote

• The President can remove members of Congress

• Congress can appoint Supreme Court justices

• The President can declare laws unconstitutional

Which scenario best illustrates the rule of law?

• A judge follows the law when making a decision, even if the defendant is famous

• A police officer ignores the law for friends

• A mayor makes up new laws for their city

• A senator is above the law

How does the Constitution limit the powers of government?

• By dividing government into three branches

• By allowing one branch to control all others

• By removing all government officials

• By giving unlimited power to the President

Which of the following is an example of checks and balances in action?

• The President vetoes a bill passed by Congress

• Congress ignores the President’s decisions

• The Supreme Court writes new laws

• The President enforces laws without review

Why did the framers of the Constitution include separation of powers?

• To prevent any one branch from becoming too powerful

• To allow the President to make all decisions

• To eliminate the judicial branch

• To give Congress unlimited authority