Checks and Balances

Worksheet Description

The worksheet looks at the foundational structure of the U.S. government, specifically emphasizing the system in which each branch has the ability to check or limit the powers of the other branches. It provides students with an outline to identify the powers of the Legislative, Executive, and Judicial branches and to determine how each branch checks the powers of the others. By following the provided directions, students are prompted to delve into the mechanisms through which this system ensures that no single branch becomes overly dominant. The format of the worksheet, with its fill-in-the-blank style, encourages active engagement and reflection on the topic.

The primary aim of this worksheet is to instill in students a clear understanding of the “Checks and Balances” system inherent in the U.S. Constitution. It pushes students to recognize the distinct powers and responsibilities of each of the three branches of government. More critically, the worksheet emphasizes how these branches interact, check, and balance each other, preventing any one branch from amassing unchecked authority. By guiding students through this process, the worksheet seeks to cultivate an appreciation for the foresight and intricacy with which the Founding Fathers designed the American governmental system.