1. Checks and Balances

2. History of Checks and Balances
The constitution established, or created, a strong federal, or national, government
To keep the government from becoming too strong, the federal government was divided into three (3) branches
Checks and balances make it possible for each of the three branches to limit the powers of the other branches

3. Executive Branch

4. Executive Branch Carries out the laws
Can VETO, or refuse to sign, laws passed by Congress
Appoints, or selects, judges for the Supreme Court
Can call special meetings of Congress
Vice President is the leader of the Senate
Power of the Presidential Pardon

5. Legislative Branch

6. Legislative Branch Passes laws Can OVERRIDE the veto of the President
May remove President from office (power of impeachment)
Must approve treaties signed by President
Must approve all Presidential appointments
Power to alter the size of the Supreme Court

7. Judicial Branch

8. Judicial Branch Makes judgments about the laws
Can declare laws UNCONSTITUTIONAL
Can declare actions of the President to be unconstitutional

9. Review What does checks and balances prevent?
What are two checks on the executive branch?
What are two checks on the legislative branch?
What are two checks on the judicial branch?