Question

Which of the following would be a good example of the “checks and balances” system enforced upon the legislative branch?

Answer choices

The President, using his power as Commander in Chief, uses the army to force Congress to stay and vote on a law.

The Supreme Court declares a law passed by Congress as “unconstitutional” based on their interpretation of the Constitution.

Congress passes a law that would prevent the President from using his veto power.

Congress removing judges from the Supreme Court when the judges question the legality of a law passed by Congress.

Answer 1

The example of the 'Supreme Court declaring a law passed by Congress as unconstitutional' best demonstrates the concept of checks and balances, as it illustrates the judicial branch checking the legislative branch through judicial review.

Step-by-step explanation:

The concept of checks and balances in the U.S. government is designed to ensure that no single branch becomes too powerful.

Among the answer choices given, the one that serves as a good example of the checks and balances system enforced upon the legislative branch is: 'The Supreme Court declares a law passed by Congress as “unconstitutional” based on their interpretation of the Constitution.'

This example reflects the judicial branch's ability to check the legislative branch by using judicial review, a power that was established by the U.S. Supreme Court in the case of Marbury v. Madison in 1803.

For instance, the President using military force to influence Congress, Congress attempting to strip the President's veto power, or Congress removing Supreme Court judges purely for questioning the legality of laws, do not inherently align with the principles of checks and balances as outlined in the U.S. Constitution.

Answer 2

Step-by-step explanation:

An example of the principle of checks and balances might be a president vetoing an act of congress. The idea behind checks and balances is that it's important to ensure the power does not lie with one particular individual or group, and that a decision made by one can be questioned by the other.