Checks and balances

Definition

Checks and balances is a fundamental principle of governance that ensures no single branch of government becomes too powerful by allowing each branch to monitor and limit the actions of the others. This system promotes accountability and prevents abuse of power, creating a balance among the legislative, executive, and judicial branches. In the context of political tensions and conflicts, it becomes essential for maintaining democracy and protecting individual rights.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The impeachment of Andrew Johnson was a significant test of the checks and balances system, highlighting the tension between the presidency and Congress during Reconstruction.
2. Johnson's violation of the Tenure of Office Act led Congress to initiate impeachment proceedings against him, demonstrating how legislative checks can be applied to executive actions.
3. The House of Representatives approved 11 articles of impeachment against Johnson, but the Senate ultimately acquitted him by one vote, showing how the checks and balances can prevent a quick removal from office.
4. This impeachment case set a precedent for future interactions between Congress and the presidency, emphasizing the importance of maintaining balance in federal power.
5. The checks and balances system aims to protect individual liberties by ensuring that no single branch has unchecked power over governance.

Review Questions

• How did the impeachment of Andrew Johnson illustrate the concept of checks and balances within the U.S. government?
  • The impeachment of Andrew Johnson exemplified checks and balances as it involved Congress exercising its authority to hold the executive accountable for actions deemed inappropriate. By passing articles of impeachment against Johnson for violating the Tenure of Office Act, Congress was actively checking presidential power. The subsequent Senate trial demonstrated how the legislative branch could limit executive authority while also revealing the tension between maintaining governmental authority and preserving individual rights.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of checks and balances during Johnson's impeachment process and how it shaped future presidential actions.
  • During Johnson's impeachment process, checks and balances proved somewhat effective but also highlighted limitations. The House's ability to impeach represented legislative power checking executive action, yet Johnson's acquittal in the Senate showed that checks do not guarantee outcomes aligned with public or legislative opinion. This incident influenced future presidents by demonstrating that while legislative action could challenge presidential decisions, successful resistance could embolden future executives to push boundaries.
• Synthesize the implications of Johnson's impeachment on contemporary views regarding checks and balances in governance.
  • Johnson's impeachment has lasting implications on contemporary views about checks and balances, illustrating how political motivations can intertwine with constitutional processes. The narrowly avoided removal highlighted concerns about partisanship influencing accountability measures. As modern governance continues to face challenges concerning executive power, Johnson's case serves as a reminder of the necessity for vigilance in maintaining balance among branches to protect democracy, individual liberties, and ensure that no single entity dominates political authority.

Related terms

Separation of Powers: The division of government responsibilities into distinct branches to limit any one branch from exercising the core functions of another.

Impeachment: The process by which a legislative body formally charges a government official with misconduct, which can lead to their removal from office.

Judicial Review: The power of courts to assess whether a law is in compliance with the constitution, allowing them to invalidate legislation or executive actions that exceed authority.