Checks and Balances

1. What does this web show?

• Enumerated (expressed) powers

• Branches of government

• System of checks and balances

• Levels of government

Which of the following is the BEST title for the diagram?

• System of Checks and Balances

• Three Party System

• Balance of Levels of Government

• Limited Checkpoint System

Why did the founding fathers structure the government in this manner? Refer to the diagram below.

• to divide power among three levels of government

• to allow for changes to the Constitution as time passes and the country grows

• to establish a bicameral government

• to prevent any one branch from becoming more powerful than the others

Which branch of government has the power to confirm judges or justices and to impeach them?

• Presidential

• Legislative

• Executive

• Judicial

How does the judicial branch check on the power of Congress and the President?

• vetoing legislation (law) that is passed by Congress and signed by the President

• declaring acts of Congress (legislation) or presidential actions (executive orders) to be unconstitutional

• issuing warrants

• issuing court restraints

The Congress of the United States has the power to make laws for the nation. Who has the power to approve (sign) or veto new legislation?

• state governors

• United States citizens

• the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court

• the President of the United States

Which of the following examples illustrates the system of checks and balances?

• The President calls for a special meeting of the Cabinet.

• The President signs a tax bill, even though the Congress recommends that he not sign it.

• The President entertains the Queen of England.

• The President vetoes a bill, but Congress overrides his veto.

Supreme Court justices (judges) are appointed by . . .

• the United Nations.

• Congress.

• a special committee.

• the President.

The President of the United States nominates a new ambassador to Canada. His nomination must be approved by . . .

• the Vice President.

• the Supreme Court.

• Congress.

• the Department of Homeland Security.

Which of the following choices from the list below correctly completes this statement: The President checks Congress by

• proposing legislation (laws)

• preparing an annual budget for the Supreme Court to approve

• signing or vetoing legislation (laws) that Congress has passed

• refusing to confirm judges and justices