Branches of Government — Answer Key
Part A: Multiple Choice
Circle the best answer for each question.
1. The President nominates a new Supreme Court Justice. Which body must approve the nomination before the Justice can serve?
A) The House of Representatives
B) The Senate
C) The Cabinet
D) The state governors
The Senate holds confirmation hearings and votes to approve or reject Supreme Court nominees.
2. Which branch of Congress has the power to start the impeachment process against a federal official?
A) The Senate
B) The Supreme Court
C) The House of Representatives
D) The Cabinet
The House votes on articles of impeachment, then the Senate holds the trial.
3. Congress passes a bill, but the President disagrees and rejects it. What action has the President taken?
A) Ratified the bill
B) Vetoed the bill
C) Confirmed the bill
D) Reviewed the bill
A veto is the executive branch's check on the legislative branch's lawmaking power.
4. The Supreme Court rules that a law passed by Congress violates the Constitution. What is this power called?
A) Veto power
B) Impeachment
C) Judicial review
D) Ratification
Judicial review lets the Court strike down laws that conflict with the Constitution.
Part B: Fill in the Blank
Write the correct answer on each line.
1. The Senate votes to confirm a nominee that the President has chosen for the Supreme Court.
Confirmation is how the Senate checks the President's appointment power.
2. The House of Representatives can impeach a President for serious crimes like abuse of power.
Impeachment lets Congress hold the President accountable to the people.
3. Congress can override a presidential veto with a two-thirds vote in both houses.
An override shows that Congress can outweigh the President when most members agree strongly.
4. Together these powers create a system of checks and balances between the three branches.
Checks and balances keep any single branch from becoming too powerful.
5. An amendment to the Constitution must be ratified by three-fourths of the states.
Ratification by states checks Congress's power to change the Constitution.