Checks and Balances
A senator disagrees with a new law the President signed. What process could Congress use to push back — and what would it require?
Congress can try to override the presidential veto (though in this case the bill was already signed — or override a future veto) with a 2/3 majority in both the House and Senate.
Explain why California has more influence in the House of Representatives than Wyoming does.
state population.
A President wants to change how a federal agency operates without passing a new law through Congress. What tool can they use, and what are its limits?
Executive Order
A lower court convicts someone of a crime, but the defense argues their constitutional rights were violated. Where would this case likely end up, and why?
It could end up at the US Supreme Court after being appealed through the Court of Appeals. The Supreme Court handles cases involving constitutional questions.
Montesquieu wrote that individual freedom depends on no single branch holding all government power. Which US constitutional principle reflects this idea?
Separation of Power---Checks and Balances
The President nominates someone to run the Department of Defense. What must happen before that person can officially take the job?
The Senate must confirm (approve) the nomination.
A healthcare company hires people to meet with senators and share research about a new drug policy. What is this called, and is it constitutional?
lobbying. yes.
What is the Vice President's purpose as the Head of the Senate?
Tie-breaking vote
In the 1950s, the Supreme Court deemed law that segregated schools was unconstitutional. This is an example of...
Judicial Review
True or False: The House of Representatives and the Senate have equal say in passing a bill.
False. Not equal in size
Give a real-world example of how one branch 'checks' another branch's power.
President vetoes a bill passed by Congress; Senate rejects a Supreme Court nominee; Supreme Court strikes down a law as unconstitutional.
Name the 3 possible outcomes of a bill once it reaches the president.
1. President signs it
2. President veto
3. President ignores for 10 days...becomes a law
Every year the President addresses a joint session (Senate and House together) of Congress. What is this called? What is its purpose?
State of the Union
What is the correct order of federal courts from lowest to highest?
US District Court → US Court of Appeals → US Supreme Court.
When the US goes to war, who has the constitutional power to formally declare it?
Does the President have any war-related powers?
Congress.
The President is Commander-in-Chief and can deploy troops. Limited by the War Powers Resolution 1973.
Why did the Founders design a system where no single branch holds all the power? What problem were they trying to prevent?
They feared tyranny — one person or group having too much unchecked power. Separation of powers and checks and balances prevent any one branch from dominating the government.
A Representative wants to pass a new education bill. Walk through the basic steps it must go through before it becomes law.
Bill is introduced in the House → debated and voted on → sent to the Senate → debated and voted on → sent to the President → President signs, vetoes, or ignores it.
Imagine a President has served two full terms. A group of citizens wants to draft them to run again. What prevents this third term?
The 22nd Amendment
Why do Supreme Court justices serve for life rather than being elected every few years?
To protect judicial independence. Decisions are based on law and the Constitution rather than political opinion
Why does Texas have more electoral votes than Montana in a presidential election?
Electoral votes are based on a state's total Congressional representation (House seats + 2 senators).
A President vetoes a bill. Describe every possible outcome from that point forward.
Congress can attempt to override with a 2/3 vote in both chambers (if successful, it becomes law); Congress can let it die; or they can revise and repass the bill.
How does one become a member of Congress?
Popular vote of their state/congressional district
A President is accused of selling private documents to North Korea. What process exists to remove them? Explain the process.
Impeachment Process
House of Representatives votes on articles of impeachment; if passed, the Senate holds a trial and votes on conviction (requiring a 2/3 majority to remove from office).
The Supreme Court receives thousands of case requests each year but only hears about 60–80. What does this tell us about how the Court chooses cases?
It selects cases that involve significant constitutional questions
Three students debate which branch of government most affects daily life. One says legislative (laws), one says executive (enforcement), one says judicial (rights). Make the strongest case for one branch.
Legislative: laws govern everything from taxes to schools. Executive: enforces laws and sets national policy. Judicial: interprets what laws mean and protects individual rights.