Checks & Balancesof theThree Branches of Government
Executive Branch
Judicial Branch
Legislative Branch
Checks and Balances of theThree Branches of Government
•Checks and Balances is a systemestablished by the U.S. Constitution that:
Prevents any branch from becoming toopowerful.
Allows powers of each branch to bechallenged and checked by the powers ofthe others.
What powers of the threebranches allowed theseto occur?
After the Civil War, President Andrew Johnsonvetoed over 20 congressional bills.
After the Civil War, Congress overrode over 20 ofPresident Johnson’s vetoes!
In 1987, President Ronald Reagan appointed JudgeRobert Bork to the Supreme Court. His nominationwas defeated by the Senate.
1.Senate ratifies treatiesnegotiated by the President
2.Supreme Court can declaretreaties unconstitutional (2spots)
3.Senate accepts/rejectsappointments to President’scabinet
4.Supreme Court can declarelaws unconstitutional (2spots)
1.L √ E
2.J √ E and J √ L
3.L√ E
4.J √ L and J √ E
5. President nominatesSupreme Court justices
6.Congress proposesamendments toConstitution to reversecourt decisions
7.Senate accepts/rejectsSupreme Courtnominees (2 spots)
8.Chief Justice presidesover Presidentialimpeachment trial
5. E √ J
6.L √ J
7.L √ J and L √ E
8.J √ E
9.President vetoes laws
10. Congress overridespresidential veto
11. President can suggestideas for laws toCongress
12.President has the powerto pardon individualsconvicted of crimes
13.Congress hasimpeachment powers (2spots)
9. E √ L
10. L √ E
11. E √ L
12. E √ J
13. L √ J and L √ E