The Checks and Balances System

Various governmental powers are listed below. Identify the branch doing the
checking and the branch being checked. More than one answer is possible per section.

Power

Which Branch Has

The Power?

Which Branch's
Power is Being
Checked?
(Could be more than one)

1) Create and pass legislation.

2) Veto bills.

3) Ratify treaties.

4) Appoint Federal judges.

5) Impeachment of federal
officials.

6) Confirm the appointment

of presidential appointments.

7) Declare laws unconstitutional.

8) Override Presidential Vetoes.

9) Judges are appointed for life.

10) Controls appropriations of

money.

Checks and Balances

Definition Checks and Balance:
A system the United States uses to limit the power of each of
the 3 branches of government. Each branch has powers
that can limit each of the other branches so none gets too
powerful.

Term:
Checks and Balances

Details:

Each branch has specific powers

Legislative makes laws, controls money,
approves appointments and treaties, etc.

Executive enforces laws, makes appointments,
vetoes, makes treaties, etc.

Judicial interprets laws, has judicial review, and
declares things unconstitutional
Examples/ Impacts:

The president vetoes a

law Congress has
passed. (Executive
checks Legislative)

The Supreme Court declares

a law unconstitutional.
(Judicial checks Legislative)

Congress refuses to confirm the

appointment of a new Secretary
of Defense. (Legislative checks
Executive)

In your own words, describe what is happening in this diagram. Explain the system of Checks and Balance.
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