Checks and Balances
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Definition: Extends the restrictions established by the separation of powers. It gives each branch of gov't the authority and responsibility to restrain the power of the other two branches.
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How are Checks and Balances applied in today's society?
Here are some examples to help you better understand checks and balances:
1) Allows the legislative branch to override any decisions made by the executive branch by 2/3 of the vote
2) Gives executive branch power to call special sessions of Congress
3) Gives judicial branch power to check legislative branch
1) Allows the legislative branch to override any decisions made by the executive branch by 2/3 of the vote
2) Gives executive branch power to call special sessions of Congress
3) Gives judicial branch power to check legislative branch
Legislative Branch Overrides Executive Decisions
The legislative branch of the gov't is given many responsibilities within the checks and balances system. An important one is the power to override any decision made by the executive branch, as long as it is by 2/3 of the vote. This way, if the executive branch tries to carry out a law that the legislative branch finds unacceptable, they can choose to veto it.
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Each state has their own legislative branch, under the nation's. The state's population votes in senators and representatives that ultimately leads to create the state's legislative branch.
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Executive Branch Power to Call Congress
The executive branch also has many responsibilities. They carry out all of the laws after legislative creates them and judicial interprets them. One major responsibility of the executive branch is the power to call special sessions of Congress. This is important because the president (executive branch) has that power in case anything is urgent. If something is going on that Congress should know about, the executive branch has that authority to call them in.
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Judicial Branch Power to Check Legislative
Judicial branch has important responsibilities, just like legislative and executive. However, their biggest one is the power to check legislative's laws and veto any that are unconstitutional before it goes to executive. This way, the executive branch doesn't carry out any laws made by legislative that could violate any of the public's constitutional rights. The judicial branch is very important in that respect.
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