Exam 1: Seperationof Powers/ Checks & Balances

Question 1

What is separation of power?

Answer 1

The division of govt. responsibilities into distinct branches to limit any branch from exercising the core function of another.

(each branch has their own specific job duties)

Question 2

The idea of separation of power was based on

Answer 2

Montesquieu

Question 3

What quote by Montesquieu inspired the idea of separation of power?

Answer 3

“Government responsibility must be divided in order to prevent tyranny”

(tyranny = too much power)

Question 4

What are the job duties of the legislative branch?

Answer 4

1. writes laws
2. confirms appointments
3. approves treaties
4. declares war

Question 5

The legislative branch involves __(1)__ which is separated into the __(2)__ & __(3)__

Answer 5

1. Congress
2. House
3. Senate

Question 6

What are the job duties of the executive branch?

Answer 6

1. signs/ veto’s laws
2. appoints judges on the federal level
3. Negotiates treaties
4. Commander-in-chief = overseas the military

Question 7

what is the job duty of the judicial branch?

Answer 7

decides the legality of laws

Question 8

What is checks & balances?

Answer 8

A two step process that Prevents one branch from being too powerful

Question 9

What is an example of checks and balances?

Answer 9

The president can create treaties but the legislative branch has to approve the treaty.

ex: If president Biden wanted to created an alliance with North Korea and Russia the Legislative branch can have to power to deny the treaty/ alliance

Question 10

How does the legislative branch “check” the judicial branch? (3)

Answer 10

1. power to institute new courts
2. authority to impeach judges
3. approve judicial appointments made by president

Question 11

How does the legislative branch “check” the executive branch? (6)

Answer 11

1. Approve presidential appointments
2. authority to bring impeachment hearings
3. power to override presidential vetoes
4. ratify treaties
5. declare war
6. control appropriations (budget authority)

Question 12

How does the judicial branch “check” the legislative branch? (3)

Answer 12

1. interprets laws
2. determine constitutionality
3. serve for life

Question 13

How does the judicial branch “check” the executive branch? (3)

Answer 13

1. interprets laws & presidential actions
2. judges appointed by president
3. serve for life

Question 14

How does the executive branch “check” the judicial branch? (2)

Answer 14

1. grants reprieves and pardons
2. appoint judges to fill vacancies in the court

Question 15

How does the executive branch “check” the legislative branch? (3)

Answer 15

1. authority to call special sessions in congress
2. commander in chief
3. power to veto bills

Question 16

1. _____ can veto a law passed by congress
2. _____ can declare laws unconstitutional
3. _____ nominates judges to supreme court
4. _____ can override a presidential veto with a 2/3 majority vote
5. _____ can reject presidential nominations to the supreme court
6. _____ may ask congress to come together for a talk in certain situations
7. _____ may declare executive actions unconstitutional
8. _____ may reject treaties
9. _____ may propose constitutional amendments to overrule judicial decisions
10. _____ may impeach the president
11. _____ may withhold funding for presidential initiatives
12. _____ may impeach supreme court justices

Answer 16

1. Executive
2. Judicial
3. Executive
4. Legislative
5. Legislative
6. Executive
7. Judicial
8. Legislative
9. Legislative
10. Legislative
11. Legislative
12. Legislative