Checks and Balances: How to Write an Effective Essay

The video tutorial discusses the concept of checks and balances in the US government, emphasizing its role in preventing any one branch from gaining too much power. It provides historical and modern examples, including the Treaty of Versailles and the Watergate scandal, to illustrate how checks and balances operate. The tutorial also offers tips for writing essays on this topic, highlighting the importance of including examples and considering the broader implications of checks and balances in society.

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

• To allow the majority to always have their way

• To eliminate the need for compromise

• To ensure no single branch becomes too powerful

• To speed up the legislative process

Why was the Treaty of Versailles rejected by the U.S. Senate?

• It was not supported by the President

• It required a simple majority which was not achieved

• The Senate wanted to avoid European entanglements

• The treaty was never presented to the Senate

What was a significant outcome of the Senate's rejection of the Treaty of Versailles?

• The U.S. joined the League of Nations

• The treaty was eventually accepted after revisions

• The U.S. remained neutral, contributing to the causes of World War II

• The President vetoed the Senate's decision

What was the main issue at the heart of the Watergate scandal?

• A financial scandal involving the President

• A disagreement over foreign policy

• A cover-up of a break-in at the Democratic offices

• A failed military operation

How did the judicial branch play a role in the Watergate scandal?

• By supporting the President's claim of executive privilege

• By dismissing the case as irrelevant

• By ruling against the President, leading to the release of tapes

• By refusing to get involved in the dispute

What was the result of the Supreme Court's decision in the United States vs. Nixon case?

• Nixon was re-elected for another term

• Nixon was forced to resign

• Nixon was acquitted of all charges

• Nixon was impeached by the Senate

What is a potential consequence of not having checks and balances in a government system?

• Increased efficiency in passing laws

• Greater international cooperation

• A single branch could dominate the government

• More public participation in decision-making