Branches of Government — Answer Key
Part A: Multiple Choice
Circle the best answer for each question.
1. The Senate votes to approve a treaty signed by the President. Which check is being used?
A) Legislative check on executive power
B) Executive check on judicial power
C) Judicial check on legislative power
D) Local check on federal power
At Grade 5, students learn the Senate approving treaties checks the executive.
2. A federal court rules that a new law passed by Congress is unconstitutional. What does this mean?
A) Congress must rewrite or remove the law
B) The President must sign the law again
C) The states can ignore the ruling
D) The Senate must vote on the ruling
Grade 5 civics shows Congress must change or drop a law ruled unconstitutional.
3. The President nominates a new Supreme Court justice. Who must approve the choice?
A) The House of Representatives
B) The Senate
C) The Supreme Court itself
D) The state governors
At Grade 5, students learn the Senate confirms Supreme Court justices.
4. Which scenario best shows the executive branch checking the legislative branch?
A) Supreme Court strikes down a law
B) Senate approves a judge
C) President vetoes a bill
D) House passes a budget
Grade 5 students learn a presidential veto checks Congress's lawmaking power.
Part B: Fill in the Blank
Write the correct answer on each line.
1. When the Senate confirms a new ambassador chosen by the President, it is using a check on executive power.
At Grade 5, students learn Senate approval is a check on the President.
2. A presidential veto is an example of the executive branch checking the legislative branch.
Grade 5 civics shows vetoes are executive checks on the legislative branch.
3. When the Supreme Court reviews a law passed by Congress, it is checking the legislative branch.
At Grade 5, students learn judicial review checks the legislative branch.
4. If Congress removes a President from office after impeachment, this checks the executive branch.
Grade 5 students learn impeachment is a legislative check on the executive.
5. A balanced government depends on each branch respecting the powers of the others.
At Grade 5, students learn balance comes from respecting each branch's powers.