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Difficulty: MediumSeparation of Powers and Checks and Balances

How do the organs of government exercise constitutional control over one another under the doctrine of checks and balances? Match each organ of government in Column A with its corresponding checking mechanism in Column B.

  • Executive BranchVetoing bills passed by the legislature to prevent hasty enactments
  • Legislative BranchWithholding confirmation of key executive appointments and approving budgets
  • Judicial BranchDeclaring legislative enactments or executive actions unconstitutional

Answer

The Executive Branch checks the Legislative Branch by vetoing bills; the Legislative Branch checks the Executive Branch by withholding confirmation of appointments and controlling funds; and the Judicial Branch checks both branches by declaring unconstitutional acts null and void.
In a constitutional presidential system, each organ of government is endowed with specific constitutional tools to restrain the powers of the other organs: the executive veto checks the legislature, legislative confirmation and purse control check the executive, and judicial review checks both branches.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the primary constitutional checking power of the Executive Branch over the Legislature.
The Executive Branch holds the authority to veto legislation passed by the legislature.
Veto power prevents legislative overreach and allows executive review before a bill becomes law.
2
Identify the primary constitutional checking power of the Legislative Branch over the Executive.
The Legislative Branch holds the power to confirm executive appointments and approve fiscal budgets.
Legislative oversight ensures that executive appointments and public spending remain accountable to elected representatives.
3
Identify the primary constitutional checking power of the Judicial Branch over both branches.
The Judicial Branch possesses the power of judicial review.
Judicial review enables courts to declare laws passed by the legislature or orders issued by the executive null and void if they violate the constitution.

Key Concept

Constitutional Checks and Balances among Organs of Government
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Topics

Separation of Powers and Checks and Balances

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