Activity One - Checks & Balances

1. Why are there checks and balances in our government?
   1. So that one branch doesn’t become to powerful and become a tyrant.
2. What is one example of a check/balance from one branch to another?
   1. The president can VETO a bill passed by Congress, this is an example of the executive branch (the president) “checking” the legislative branch (congress). Senate overturning vetoes
   2. Judicial Review

Activity Two - Checks & Balances

Legislative Checks on the Executive

• Impeachment - HOUSE
• Overide vetoes
• Approve president nominations
• Control budget
• Declare wars
• Approve treaties and appointments
• Tries the impeached president
• Chooses president / VP on a tie
• Congressional Oversight

Legislative Checks on the Judicial

• Control budget
• Approve judicial nominations - SENATE
• Impeach judges
• Overturn decisions with amendments
• Creates lower courts
• Tries impeached judges
• Alter the size of the Supreme Court
• Create Amendments