Exploring Checks and Balances in U.S. Government

The video explains the concept of checks and balances in the U.S. government, detailing how the Constitution divides power among the Legislative, Executive, and Judicial branches. Each branch has specific roles and checks the others to prevent any single branch from becoming too powerful. Examples include Congress's ability to override a presidential veto, the Supreme Court's power to declare laws unconstitutional, and the President's power to issue executive orders. The video emphasizes the importance of responsible citizenship in maintaining these checks.

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

• To ensure one branch doesn't become too powerful

• To create laws

• To judge laws

• To enforce laws

Which branch of government is responsible for making laws?

• Executive

• Judicial

• Legislative

• None of the above

What can the president do if he disagrees with a bill passed by Congress?

• Sign it into law

• Pass it to the Supreme Court

• Veto it

• Ignore it

How can Congress override a presidential veto?

• By taking it to the Supreme Court

• With a 2/3 majority vote

• By a simple majority vote

• They cannot

What can the Supreme Court do if it finds a law unconstitutional?

• Veto it

• Pass it back to Congress

• Override it

• Declare it unconstitutional

Who appoints federal judges?

• The Senate

• The President

• The Supreme Court

• The House of Representatives

What are executive orders?

• Laws passed by Congress

• Decisions made by the Supreme Court

• Treaties with other countries

• Directives issued by the President

What is impeachment?

• A process to pass laws

• A process to remove the president or other high officials

• A process to pardon criminals

• A process to remove a judge

What is a pardon in the context of the U.S. government?

• A type of executive order

• A treaty

• A law

• Forgiveness for a crime

Who must approve treaties made by the President?

• No one

• The Senate

• The Supreme Court

• The House of Representatives