Checks and Balances
What is the main purpose of checks and balances?
(To prevent any one branch from becoming too powerful)
Which branch of government makes laws?
(The legislative branch)
What is the President’s role as Commander-in-Chief?
(To lead the U.S. military)
What is separation of powers?
(The division of government responsibilities among the three branches)
What was the main argument between Federalists and Anti-Federalists?
(Whether the federal government should be strong or if states should have more power)
How can Congress check the power of the President if they veto a bill?
(By overriding the veto with a two-thirds vote in both houses.)
Who leads the executive branch?
(The President of the United States)
What is an executive order?
(A directive issued by the President that has the force of law)
Why did the framers of the Constitution separate powers between different branches?
(To prevent tyranny and protect democracy)
What document did the Anti-Federalists demand be added to the Constitution?
(The Bill of Rights)
What check does the judicial branch have on the legislative branch?
(It can declare laws unconstitutional)
What is the main role of the judicial branch?
(To interpret and apply the law)
How does the President influence foreign policy?
(By making treaties and meeting with foreign leaders)
Which branch has the power to declare war?
(The legislative branch, specifically Congress)
What compromise led to a two-house Congress?
(The Great Compromise)
What check does the Senate have on presidential appointments?
(The Senate must approve Supreme Court justices and cabinet members)
How does the legislative branch check the judicial branch?
(Congress can impeach and remove federal judges)
What must happen before a treaty negotiated by the President becomes official?
(The Senate must approve it with a two-thirds vote)
What is one power that the executive branch has that the legislative branch does not?
(The power to veto bills)
Why did the Articles of Confederation fail?
(The federal government was too weak to enforce laws or collect taxes)
What happens if the President is impeached by the House of Representatives?
(The case moves to the Senate for a trial)
How does the judicial branch check the executive branch?
(It can declare executive actions unconstitutional)
What happens if the President is unable to fulfill their duties?
(The Vice President takes over as outlined in the 25th Amendment)
How does federalism relate to separation of powers?
(It divides power between national and state governments)
What major issue did the Three-Fifths Compromise address?
(How enslaved people would be counted for representation and taxation)