Checks and Balances

The division of government among three separate but equal branches provides for a system of checks and balances. Each branch checks and limits the power of the other branches. For example, although Congress makes laws, the president can veto them. Even if the president vetoes a law, Congress may check the president by overriding his veto with a two-thirds vote.

The Supreme Court can overturn laws passed by Congress and singed by president. The selection of federal and Supreme Court judges is made by the other two branches. The president appoints judges, but the Senate reviews his candidates and has the power to reject his choices. With this system of checks and balances, no branch of government has superior power.

By diving power among the three branches of government, the Constitution effectively ensures that government power will not be usurped by a small power group or a few leaders.

VOCABULARY – 6

English variant	Ukrainian variant	Russian variant
A system of checks and balances	Система стримування та противаг	Система сдерживания и противовесов
To check and limit	Контролювати та обмежувати	Контролировать и ограничивать
A two-thirds vote	Кваліфікована більшість	Квалифицированное большинство

Дата добавления: 2015-07-20