Forming the U.S, what are the checks and balances that were set up in the Constitution and why were they put in?
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Separation_of_powers_under_the_United_States_Constitution
The U.S. Constitution established a system of checks and balances to ensure that no single branch of government became too powerful. This system separates powers among the three branches of government - the Executive, Legislative, and Judicial - and grants each branch specific powers and responsibilities. By doing so, it aims to prevent any one branch from becoming dominant and potentially abusing its power.
Here are some of the key checks and balances established in the Constitution:
1. Legislative checks on the Executive:
- The Congress can override a presidential veto with a two-thirds majority vote.
- The Senate has the power to approve or reject presidential appointments, including those for key positions such as cabinet secretaries and federal judges.
- The House of Representatives has the sole power to initiate impeachment proceedings against the President.
- The Senate holds the impeachment trial, with the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court presiding.
2. Executive checks on the Legislative:
- The President has the power to veto legislation passed by Congress. However, this veto can be overridden by a two-thirds majority vote in both the Senate and the House of Representatives.
- The President can propose legislation to Congress and can call for special sessions of Congress.
3. Judicial checks on the Legislative and Executive:
- The Supreme Court has the power of judicial review, allowing it to interpret the Constitution and determine whether laws or executive actions are constitutional. This gives the Court the authority to strike down laws that it deems unconstitutional.
- Federal judges are appointed for life, providing them with independence from the other branches of government and allowing them to make impartial decisions.
These checks and balances were put in place to promote accountability, prevent the concentration of power, and safeguard individual rights and liberties. They ensure that no single branch of government becomes too powerful and that decisions are subject to scrutiny and review from the other branches, ultimately protecting the democratic principles upon which the United States was founded.