Question

multiple select question
select all that apply
which events changed the balance of power between the executive and the legislative branches?
reconstruction
watergate
the constitutional convention
the revolutionary war
the civil war

Explanation:

• Reconstruction: After the Civil War, Reconstruction led to changes in the balance of power as Congress (legislative) took a more active role in governing the South, impacting executive - legislative dynamics.
• Watergate: The Watergate scandal led to increased legislative oversight of the executive branch, with Congress passing laws to limit executive power (e.g., campaign finance reform, enhanced oversight procedures), thus changing the balance.
• The Constitutional Convention: The Constitutional Convention established the initial balance of power between the executive (president) and legislative (Congress) branches, defining their roles and powers, so it is a foundational event that set the balance.
• The Civil War: During the Civil War, President Lincoln (executive) took on expanded powers (e.g., suspending habeas corpus) which temporarily shifted the balance of power towards the executive, and the post - war Reconstruction (tied to the Civil War) also impacted the balance.
• The Revolutionary War: The Revolutionary War was mainly about gaining independence from Britain and did not directly change the balance of power between the executive and legislative branches of the newly forming U.S. government in the same way as the other events.

Answer:

A. Reconstruction, B. Watergate, C. The Constitutional Convention, E. The Civil War