The Constitution divided the Government into three branches: legislative, executive, and judicial. That was an important decision because it gave specific powers to each branch and set up something called checks and balances. Just like the phrase sounds, the point of checks and balances was to make sure no one branch would be able to control too much power, and it created a separation of powers. Here are some examples of how the different branches work together: Show
See our "Branches of Government" infographic to find the checks and balances you see illustrated. What are some ways Congress can check limit the powers of the president?Congress consists of two houses: the Senate and the House of Representatives, and can override a Presidential veto with a 2/3 vote in both houses. The Checks and Balances System also provides the branches with some power to appoint or remove members from the other branches.
What are some examples of limits on Congressional power?Other limits on are that it cannot tax products from a state, it cannot give preference to any states seaport, government money can only be spent by passing a law and finally Congress cannot issue titles of nobility. That means the Senate or House cannot make people knights, lords or duchesses.
What is one way that the president can limit or check the power of Congress and the legislative branch?The legislative branch makes laws, but the President in the executive branch can veto those laws with a Presidential Veto. The legislative branch makes laws, but the judicial branch can declare those laws unconstitutional.
What is one way the Senate can check or limit the power of the president?The Constitution gives the Senate the power to approve, by a two-thirds vote, treaties negotiated by the executive branch. The Senate does not ratify treaties.
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