Question

determining relevance: checks and balances
the three branches of the federal government-
legislative, executive, and judicial-counter-
balance each other in perfect symmetry so that
no single branch is permitted the freedom of
unlimited power. the diagram below illustrates
the system of checks and balances set up the u.s.
constitution. use the information in the diagram
to complete the activities that follow. write your
answers on a separate sheet of paper.
the ability to identify relationships
depicted in a diagram will enhance your
understanding of complex issues.

1. explain how the following harmful actions can be checked by another branch of government.

what if......
a) the president of the u.s. violates the law?
b) the president appoints unqualified people who are personal friends to cabinet posts?
c) the supreme court delivers a harmful or unpopular decision?
d) congress sends the president an objectionable piece of legislation to sign?

1. what is the only way the judicial branch (supreme court) can check the power of the other two

branches?
by declaring that laws or actions are

Explanation:

• A) The legislative branch (Congress) can impeach and remove the President from office if the President violates the law. This is a key check - and - balance mechanism as outlined in the U.S. Constitution.
• B) The legislative branch (Senate) can refuse to confirm the President's appointments. So, if the President appoints unqualified personal friends to Cabinet posts, the Senate has the power to reject these appointments.
• C) The legislative branch can propose amendments to override judicial decisions. If the Supreme Court delivers a harmful or unpopular decision, Congress can use this power to counteract it.
• D) The executive branch (President) can veto bills. So, if Congress sends the President an objectionable piece of legislation to sign, the President can veto it.
• For question 2, looking at the diagram, the judicial branch (Supreme Court) checks the power of the other two branches by declaring laws or actions unconstitutional.

Answer:

• A) The legislative branch (Congress) can impeach and remove the President.
• B) The legislative branch (Senate) can refuse to confirm appointments.
• C) The legislative branch can propose amendments to override judicial decisions.
• D) The executive branch (President) can veto the bill.
• 2) unconstitutional