Checks and Balances
Definition
Checks and balances is a system in which each branch of government has some measure of influence over the other branches and may choose to block procedures of the other branches.
Analogy
Imagine checks and balances as playing tug-of-war with three teams instead of two. Each team has an equal chance at pulling the rope towards them, ensuring no one team becomes too powerful.
Related terms
Separation of Powers: This principle divides governmental responsibilities into distinct branches (legislative, executive, judicial) to prevent any one branch from gaining too much power.
Veto Power: A tool used by executives (like presidents or governors) as part of checks & balances; they can reject legislation passed by legislatures.
Judicial Review: The ability for courts to examine and invalidate actions of the legislative and executive branches if they're found unconstitutional.
"Checks and Balances" appears in:
Study guides (4)
Practice Questions (20)
What does Brutus No. 1 argue regarding the Constitution's checks and balances?
What is impeachment and how does it relate to checks and balances?
What is the system of checks and balances?
What is the purpose of the system of checks and balances?
What is the purpose of the system of checks and balances?
What is an example of checks and balances in action within the US government?
Why have checks and balances remained integral to U.S government's framework?
Which concern prominently featured in Federalist Papers led to development of checks and balances within United States constitution?
Why have checks and balances ensured by different branches of government remained since their establishment in the U.S. Constitution?
What political theory influenced the framers of the U.S. Constitution to include checks and balances, as seen in both Montesquieu's writings and British government?
What best describes "checks and balances" in terms of US politics?
How does the principle of "checks and balances" apply in the process of impeaching a US president?
What is an impact of the principle of checks and balances within the U.S. government?
How did the Watergate scandal affect the checks and balances on presidential power in the U.S.?
What is one potential impact of increasingly partisan news coverage on checks and balances within government?
Which historical event significantly influenced the creation of checks and balances in U.S government?
How does the President exercise checks and balances over the Judicial branch?
What impact did President Franklin D. Roosevelt's court-packing plan have on checks and balances in relation to the judiciary?
What has contributed to the continued existence of checks and balances on the Judicial branch?
Why have checks and balances remained an integral part of U.S.'s governmental structure since its inception?
Resources
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