Question

1. the chart below lists the powers of the three branches of government.

which of the following is an example of checks and balances?
powers of the three branches of government
legislative

• makes the laws
• appropriates funds for laws and programs
• approves treaties and executive appointments
• establishes federal courts

executive

• enforces the laws
• acts as commander in chief of military
• negotiates treaties
• appoints federal judges and other top officials

judicial

• interprets the laws
• reviews lower court decisions
• judges whether laws and executive actions are constitutional
• rules on cases between states

a. the supreme court reverses a ruling made by a lower court, and the president disagrees with its decision.
b. the president issues a pardon for a person convicted of a crime, and lawmakers discuss it with a journalist.
c. congress makes a new law to combat cyber crime impacting businesses, and the president makes a speech opposing the law.
d. the president wants to expand troop presence in the middle east, and congress refuses to appropriate the funds for the military.

1. this is an excerpt from federalist no. 51.

Explanation:

Checks and balances is a system where each branch of government can limit the powers of the other branches. In option A, the judicial branch (Supreme Court) is checking the power of the lower courts (also judicial but lower - level). Option B is the executive using its own power (pardon power) without checking another branch. Option C is the legislative (Congress) making a law, but there's no indication of checking another branch. Option D is the executive wanting something and the legislative refusing, but it's more of a budgetary power (legislative's power to control funds) rather than a classic checks - and - balances example like a branch reversing a decision of another. The Supreme Court (judicial) reversing a lower - court (judicial) ruling is an example of the judicial branch's internal checks (but also, in a broader sense, if the lower - court ruling was influenced by executive or legislative over - reach, the Supreme Court's reversal can be seen as a check. However, among the options, A is the best fit as it shows one part of a branch (Supreme Court) checking another part (lower court) which is a form of internal check within the judicial branch, and in a separation - of - powers context, it can also be seen as the highest judicial body ensuring proper application of laws (checking for any over - reach in lower - court interpretations).

Answer:

A. The Supreme Court reverses a ruling made by a lower court, and the president disagrees with its decision.