Checks and Balances
What is the term for the principle that allows each branch of the federal government to limit the power of the other two branches?
Checks and balances
What is the primary law-making body of the federal government?
Congress
Who is the head of the executive branch of the federal government?
The President of the United States
What is the highest court in the federal judiciary?
The Supreme Court of the United States
What is a common area of conflict between the legislative and executive branches regarding the budget?
Disagreements over spending priorities and the allocation of funds.
Which branch of government has the power to impeach and remove the President or other federal officials?
The legislative branch (Congress)
Which part of Congress has the sole power to initiate revenue bills?
The House of Representatives
What is an executive order?
A directive issued by the President that has the force of law.
What is judicial review?
The power of the courts to determine the constitutionality of laws and executive actions.
How can Congress influence the implementation of laws by the executive branch?
Through oversight hearings, appropriations (funding), and legislation that clarifies or restricts executive action.
What is the Senate's role in checking the President's power to make treaties?
The Senate must ratify treaties by a two-thirds vote.
Besides lawmaking, what is another significant power held by the Senate regarding presidential appointments?
The power to confirm presidential appointments (e.g., cabinet secretaries, federal judges).
What is the role of the President's cabinet?
To advise the President on matters related to their respective departments.
How are federal judges, including Supreme Court justices, selected?
They are nominated by the President and confirmed by the Senate.
What happens when the Supreme Court declares a law passed by Congress and signed by the President unconstitutional?
The law is nullified and no longer enforceable.
How can the judicial branch check the power of Congress?
Through judicial review, declaring laws unconstitutional.
What is the necessary and proper clause, and how does it impact the powers of Congress?
It grants Congress implied powers beyond its enumerated powers, allowing it to enact laws "necessary and proper" for carrying out its constitutional responsibilities.
What is the Presidential Cabinet?
All of the executive positions of each agency and department.
What is the significance of Marbury v. Madison (1803) in the context of the judicial branch's powers?
It established the principle of judicial review.
Describe a situation where the legislative and executive branches might work together effectively.
During a national crisis or when there is broad bipartisan support for a particular policy initiative.
If the President vetoes a bill passed by Congress, what check does Congress have to override this action?
A two-thirds vote in both the House of Representatives and the Senate.
Describe the process of a bill becoming a law, highlighting at least two points where interaction with the executive branch might occur.
A bill is introduced in either the House or Senate, goes through committees, is debated and voted on in both chambers. It then goes to the President who can sign it into law or veto it. If vetoed, Congress can override with a two-thirds vote in both houses.
How does the President influence the legislative process, even before signing or vetoing a bill?
By setting the legislative agenda, lobbying Congress, and using the bully pulpit to influence public opinion.
Explain how both the legislative and executive branches can check the judicial branch.
Congress can propose constitutional amendments to overturn Supreme Court decisions, impeach and remove federal judges, and control the size and jurisdiction of federal courts. The President nominates federal judges and the executive branch enforces court decisions.
Explain the concept of "divided government" and how it might impact the interactions between the branches of government.
Divided government occurs when one political party controls the presidency while the other party controls one or both houses of Congress. This can lead to increased gridlock, more intense scrutiny of the executive branch, and greater difficulty in passing legislation.