Checks & Balances
Why were checks and balances put in place?
So one branch wouldn't overpower the others.
Who can introduce Articles of Impeachment?
Any member of the House of Representatives can introduce Articles of Impeachment.
What judicial check was put on the legislative branch?
The supreme court can declare a law unconstitutional.
What happens after Articles of Impeachment are introduced in the House?
The Speaker of the House sends the articles to the House Judiciary Committee to be reviewed and voted on.
What executive branch check was placed on the legislative branch?
The president can veto a bill passed by congress.
How many votes are needed in the House Judiciary Committee to approve the Articles of Impeachment?
A simple majority of the committee (20 votes) is required to approve the Articles of Impeachment.
What judicial check was placed on the executive branch?
They can declare an executive act unconstitutional, or the chief justice presides over a senate trial to remove the president.
What happens once the House Judiciary Committee approves the articles?
The Articles of Impeachment move to the House floor, where a simple majority of the entire House (222 votes) must support them. Once this happens, the President has been officially charged with a crime.
What executive check was placed on the judicial branch?
The president appoints all federal and supreme court judges, or the president can pardon convicted felons in our federal courts.
Who conducts the impeachment trial, and what vote is required to remove the President?
The Senate conducts the trial, with the Chief Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court presiding. To remove the President from office, a two-thirds vote (67 votes) in the Senate is required.