Checks and Balances: How the US Government Limits Power

The video tutorial explains the system of checks and balances among the three branches of the U.S. government: legislative, executive, and judicial. It details how each branch can limit the powers of the others, with examples such as Congress overturning a presidential veto, the president vetoing bills, and the Supreme Court reviewing laws for constitutionality. The tutorial also includes a review section with questions to reinforce learning.

How can Congress limit the power of the President?

• By overturning a presidential veto with a 2/3 majority

• By refusing to follow the Constitution

• By choosing Supreme Court justices

• By passing new government spending laws

In what year did Congress approve the 19th Amendment, granting women the right to vote?

• 1885

• 1776

• 1972

• 1920

What is one way the executive branch can limit the legislative branch?

• The president can veto a bill proposed by Congress

• The president can dissolve Congress

• The president can refuse to follow the Constitution

• The president can propose amendments to the Constitution

Who casts the deciding vote in the Senate if there is a tie?

• The President

• The Vice President

• The Chief Justice

• The Speaker of the House

What can the Supreme Court do if a law is found unconstitutional?

• Rewrite the law

• Veto the law

• Amend the Constitution

• Stop the law