Checks and Balances: Limiting the Powers of the Federal Government
How are the powers of the federal government limited?
Which of the following statements are true regarding the limitations on the powers of the federal government? Check all that apply.
A. Checks and balances exist for all three branches.
B. Checks and balances limit the power of the executive branch to make laws.
C. Checks and balances limit appointments made by Congress.
D. Checks and balances allow the legislative branch to limit the actions of the president.
E. Checks and balances allow for the judicial branch to limit the actions of Congress.
Answer:
A, D, and E
Checks and balances are a key component of the United States government system that ensures no branch of government becomes too powerful. By having a system of checks and balances in place, the powers of the federal government are limited in various ways.
For instance, checks and balances exist for all three branches of government - the executive, legislative, and judicial branches. This ensures that each branch can check the powers of the other branches, preventing any one branch from becoming too dominant.
The limitations on the powers of the federal government include the ability of the legislative branch to limit the actions of the president. This prevents the president from taking unilateral actions without oversight or accountability.
Additionally, the judicial branch has the power to limit the actions of Congress. This means that if Congress passes a law that is unconstitutional, the judicial branch can declare it null and void.
Overall, these checks and balances are essential in maintaining a system of government where power is distributed evenly and no one branch can abuse its authority.