Checks and Balances Worksheet

Checks and Balances in the US Government

Read each question carefully and provide your answer in the space provided or select the best option.

1. Define the principle of 'Checks and Balances' as it applies to the U.S. government. Why was this system implemented by the framers of the Constitution?

2. Which of the following is an example of a check the Legislative Branch has over the Executive Branch?

3. The Judicial Branch can declare laws passed by Congress and signed by the President to be  , demonstrating its check on both the Legislative and Executive Branches.

4. The President's power to appoint ambassadors and federal judges is checked by the  , which must give its 'advice and consent.'

5. The system of checks and balances ensures that one branch of government becomes too powerful.

Match each government action with the branch that primarily performs it and the branch it checks.

9. Discuss a historical or contemporary example where the system of checks and balances was effectively utilized to prevent an abuse of power by one of the branches of government. Explain the roles of the branches involved.