#1. How do checks and balances work?

Each branch of government can override the powers of the other branches to maintain complete control.

The executive branch has the final authority over all decisions, limiting the power of the other branches.

Each branch of government has the ability to limit the powers of the other branches, ensuring that no single branch becomes too powerful.

The legislative branch has sole authority to make and enforce laws without interference from the other branches.

The system of checks and balances is designed to prevent any one branch of government—executive, legislative, or judicial—from becoming too powerful. Each branch has the ability to limit or check the powers of the other branches. For example, Congress (legislative branch) can pass laws, but the President (executive branch) can veto them. The Supreme Court (judicial branch) can declare laws unconstitutional, ensuring balance among the three branches.

#2. How can Congress limit the power of the President as Commander-in-Chief?

By directly taking control of military operations

By issuing a joint resolution to override military decisions

By refusing to fund military operations

By appointing new military leaders without the President’s approval

While the President is the Commander-in-Chief, Congress controls military funding. If Congress refuses to allocate funds for military operations, it limits the president’s ability to carry them out.

#3. Which branch can override a presidential veto, and what majority is required?

Executive branch; simple majority

Judicial branch; 2/3 majority

Legislative branch; 2/3 majority in both houses

Legislative branch; 3/4 majority in the Senate

The legislative branch (Congress) can override a presidential veto with a 2/3 majority vote in both the House and Senate. This ensures Congress can enact laws even if the president opposes them, balancing executive power.

#4. If a federal judge makes a controversial ruling, what is one way Congress can check the judiciary’s power?

Remove the judge by a simple majority vote

Rewrite the law that the judge interpreted

Issue an executive order to overturn the decision

Refuse to confirm future judicial nominees

Congress can modify or clarify laws to counteract judicial decisions, effectively limiting the long-term impact of a court ruling.

#5. If the President issues a controversial executive order, which of the following checks is LEAST likely to result in a direct change to the order?

Congress passing a law to override the order

The Supreme Court ruling the order unconstitutional

The Senate refusing to confirm future judicial appointments

Congress cutting off funding necessary to implement the order

While Senate confirmation of judicial appointments influences the judiciary’s composition over time, it does not have an immediate or direct impact on the validity or enforcement of a specific executive order.

Test your civics knowledge with this short quiz. Click on the slider next to your answers under each question, but be careful—once you click on it, your answer is locked in! Like our favorite teachers, we encourage you to read through all the questions before you answer. Good luck!

Results

#1. How do checks and balances work?

#2. How can Congress limit the power of the President as Commander-in-Chief?

#3. Which branch can override a presidential veto, and what majority is required?

#4. If a federal judge makes a controversial ruling, what is one way Congress can check the judiciary’s power?

#5. If the President issues a controversial executive order, which of the following checks is LEAST likely to result in a direct change to the order?