System_of_Checks_and_Balances

Frederick Douglass Academy November 17, 2009 USHG/ Ms. Montano Dianeirys Vasquez Period 7 DBQ Essay The System of Checks & Balances The system of checks and balances effectively provides a simple and organized way to control the power of the federal government. The first three articles of the U.S. Constitution call for the powers of the federal government to be divided among three separate branches: the legislative, the executive, and the judiciary branch. Under the separation of powers, each branch is independent, has a separate function, and may not replace the functions of another branch. However, the branches work together. They work with one another and also stop one another from trying to get too much power. This relationship is defined as checks and balances, where the functions of one branch serve to hold and revise the power of one another. Through this complicated system of protection, the Framers of the Constitution looked to protect the nation against tyranny (dictatorship). The system of checks and balances functions to stabilize the government. For example, if the president commits a crime the legislative branch can impeach him. According to the constitution, the House of Representatives has the power of impeachment. Another example of the legislative branch checking the president is Document 2. Article 2 states how the Senate has to give its consent and advice to the president in order for him to make treaties, appoint ambassadors/ other public ministers and consuls, judges of the Supreme Court and all other officers of the United States. The system of checks and balances has been applied in specific circumstances in U.S. history. For example a president can veto a law if he does not approve of it, but it is stated that Congress has the right to override the presidential veto. In Document 3 a chart shows how many laws were vetoed by presidents and how many of those vetoed were overridden by Congress. Proposals by a president can be rejected by the Senate. The treaty of Versailles was proposed by the president and rejected by the Senate. According to historical facts the president has the power to remove/change members of the judicial branch. In document 5 it is stated that president Franklin D. Roosevelt wanted to remove the members of the Supreme Court at the time. The system of checks and balances has come a long way during the history of the United States of America. This system has been applied to almost every Supreme Court case, beginning with the case of Marbury vs. Madison. According to the historical records Congress has to approve a bill before the president gets to sign it. The Constitution Congress also has the power to declare war. The Supreme Court has the power to decide whether a law is constitutional or not. Therefore, the system of checks and balances has been successful throughout the years of the U.S. history. In summation, the United States constitution divided the power equally among the three branches. Each of the branches completes their jobs and help one another to provide excellent protection for the nation. The system of checks and balances has successfully stabilized the government of the U.S. Thanks to the system of checks and balances the nation is free from any type of dictatorship.