The Constitution ~ Lesson 3 The Checks and Balances of the Government

Branches of Government

The Constitution set up a system of checks and balances. This system was to make sure that none of the three branches of government would become too strong.

Checks and Balances

The new Constitution had three branches of government:

Legislative (make laws)

Legislative Branch

Congress

House of Representatives

Senate

Congress makes all the laws of the country.

After a veto by the President the law can take effect if 2/3rds of the members of Congress vote for it again.

Congress may reject Supreme Court Appointments.

 

Executive (carry out laws)

Executive Branch

President

Advisors

The President must ask Congress to make a new law.

The President may veto (say no to) any law passed by Congress.

The President appoints the Supreme Court Justices.

 

Judicial (courts)

Judicial Branch


Supreme Court (9 members)

Appeals Courts (11 in U.S.)

District Courts (93 in U.S.)
The judicial branch decides if laws or acts of Congress are in line with the Constitution. If not they can declare a law unconstitutional.

 

 

 

Go to the online quiz for Lesson 3.