2. Which of the following is an example of checks and balances? Select all that apply. (2 points)
The executive branch can impeach a Supreme Court Justice.
The judicial branch can rule a new law unconstitutional.
The judicial branch can veto presidential pardons.
The legislative branch can override a veto.
The executive branch can declare war.
To determine which of the options are examples of checks and balances, we need to understand what checks and balances are. The concept of checks and balances is an important principle in the U.S. government system that ensures no single branch of government becomes too powerful. Each branch has certain powers to limit and check the powers of the other branches.
Now, let's evaluate each option:
1. The executive branch can impeach a Supreme Court Justice: This statement is incorrect. The power to impeach a Supreme Court justice does not lie with the executive branch. Instead, it is the legislative branch that has the authority to impeach federal officials, including Supreme Court justices.
2. The judicial branch can rule a new law unconstitutional: This statement is correct. The judicial branch, specifically the Supreme Court, has the power of judicial review. This means they can declare laws passed by the legislative branch as unconstitutional, acting as a check on the legislative branch's authority.
3. The judicial branch can veto presidential pardons: This statement is incorrect. The judicial branch does not have the power to veto presidential pardons. The power to grant pardons lies solely with the executive branch, specifically the President.
4. The legislative branch can override a veto: This statement is correct. The legislative branch, which consists of Congress (the Senate and the House of Representatives), has the power to override a presidential veto. This acts as a check on the executive branch's authority to veto legislation.
5. The executive branch can declare war: This statement is incorrect. According to the U.S. Constitution, the power to declare war lies with the legislative branch, specifically with Congress. The executive branch (the President) has the authority to send military forces into action, but only if authorized by Congress or in response to an attack on the United States.
Based on the analysis above, the examples of checks and balances are:
- The judicial branch can rule a new law unconstitutional.
- The legislative branch can override a veto.
Therefore, options 2 and 4 are the correct answers.