Question

which scenario demonstrates checks and balances in action?
the congress passes a new federal law that all states must follow.
the president appoints a new supreme court justice, who is then confirmed by the senate
a state government establishes its own rules for holding elections.
the supreme court interprets the constitution to expand the powers of the executive branch

Explanation:

To determine which scenario shows checks and balances, we analyze each option:

• "The Congress passes a new federal law that all states must follow" is just Congress exercising its legislative power, no check on another branch.
• "The president appoints a new Supreme Court justice, who is then confirmed by the Senate" shows the executive (president) and legislative (Senate) branches checking each other in the appointment process, a key example of checks and balances.
• "A state government establishes its own rules for holding elections" is state - level action, not related to federal checks and balances.
• "The Supreme Court interprets the Constitution to expand the powers of the executive branch" is the judicial branch acting, but expanding executive powers doesn't show a check (it's more of an interpretation, not a balance of power).

Answer:

B. The president appoints a new Supreme Court justice, who is then confirmed by the Senate