Checks and balances are an important concept in the formation of the u.s. system of government as presented in the constitution of the united states. under this conception of government, each branch of government has built-in checks and limitations placed on it by one or more different branches of govern¬ment in order to ensure that any one branch is not able to usurp total dominance over the government. under the constitution, the united states has a tripartite government, with power divided equally among the branches: the presidency, the legislature, and the judiciary. each branch is given some authority over the other two branches to balance the power among the three branches. an example of these checks and balances is seen in the steps needed to pass a law. congress can pass a law with a simple majority, but the president can veto such a law. con¬gress can then counteract the veto with a two-thirds majority. however, even if congress passes a law with a simple majority or overrides a presidential veto, the supreme court can still declare the law unconstitutional if it finds that the law is contradictory to the guidelines presented in the constitution.

5. the expression "dominance over" in line 3 is closest in meaning to:

a) understanding of; b) dispute over; c) authority over; d) rejection of.

6. the word "tripartite" in line 4 suggests that something is:

a) divided into three; b) totally democratic; c) powerfully constructed; d) evenly matched.

7. the "judiciary" in line 5 is:

a) the electorate; b) the authority; c) the legal system; d) the government.

8. the word "counteract" in line 8 is closest in meaning to:

a) vote for; b) debate; c) surpass; d) work against.

9. "contradictory to" in line 10 is closest in meaning to:

a) in agreement with; b) opposite to; c) supported by; d) similar to.

vladreutenko99    3   13.08.2019 22:30    23