Checks and balances

checks on executive branch by congress

Can override a presidential veto by a two-thirds vote in both chambers Must approve treaties by a two-thirds vote in the Senate Control of funding activities of the executive branch Presidential nominees must be approved by the Senate Only Congress can declare war House can impeach the president or vice president and the Senate can remove them by a two-thirds vote

Checks on executive branch by judiciary branch

Can overturn actions of the president with judicial review if the actions violate the Constitution Serve during good behavior to maintain independence of judiciary

Checks on congress by judiciary branch

Can overturn acts of Congress as unconstitutional if they violate the law Can influence laws by interpretation Serve during good behavior to maintain independence of judiciary

Checks on congress by the president

Can veto legislation Can use executive agreements Can use executive orders Negotiates treaties (not Congress)

Which is true concerning executive agreements with foreign countries?

Executive agreements are valid only as long as the political leaders from both countries are in power. If either leader leaves power, the executive agreement is no longer valid.

Which statement is true regarding executive orders?

Executive orders enable the president to balance Congress's lawmaking power. Presidents can use executive orders to accomplish goals that Congress may not support.

Who decides how the government budgets and spends money?

It is approved by both Congress and the president Congress passes budgetary bills and the president signs them.

Checks on judiciary branch by president

Nominates judges Power of pardon

Executive orders

Rules or orders that are issued by the president and have the force of law.

Checks on judiciary branch by congress

Senate must approve judges and justices Controls jurisdiction of the courts Determines size of Supreme Court House can impeach judges and Senate can remove them by two-thirds vote

Why did the Founding Fathers develop the system of checks and balances?

The Founding Fathers feared a government that would be too strong They wanted to avoid tyranny from the legislative and executive branches.

Which of these was intended as part of the system of checks and balances?

The ability of the president to veto acts of Congress was intended as part of the system of checks and balances. This provision was designed to protect the president from a too-powerful Congress

Which power is a congressional check on the other branches?

The ability to override a presidential veto

Which is true of the impeachment process?

The impeachment process involves a majority vote in the House of Representatives, followed by a hearing in the Senate requiring a two-thirds vote to remove an individual. The House votes on articles of impeachment, but only the Senate can remove an individual.

Which of these groups approve presidential nominees?

The senate approves nominees by majority vote.