Branches of Government — Answer Key
Part A: Fill in the Blank
Write the missing word or number on each line.
1. The system that lets each branch limit the others is called checks and balances.
Grade 5 students learn that checks and balances stop any branch from becoming too powerful.
2. When the President rejects a bill from Congress, this action is called a veto.
At Grade 5, students learn a veto is how the executive checks the legislative branch.
3. Congress can override a presidential veto with a two-thirds vote in both chambers.
Grade 5 civics explains Congress can override a veto, balancing the President's power.
4. Congress can charge a President with serious wrongdoing through a process called impeachment.
At Grade 5, students learn impeachment is a check Congress has on the President.
5. The Supreme Court can declare a law unconstitutional if it does not follow the Constitution.
Grade 5 civics teaches that judicial review lets the Court strike down laws.
6. The power of courts to review laws is known as judicial review.
At Grade 5, students learn judicial review is the Court's check on Congress and the President.
7. The President nominates Supreme Court justices, who must be approved by the Senate.
Grade 5 civics shows the President and Senate share power over judicial appointments.
8. Checks and balances keep any one branch from becoming too powerful.
At Grade 5, students learn the goal of checks and balances is to limit each branch.
9. The Senate must approve many of the President's appointments, like judges and ambassadors.
Grade 5 students learn the Senate's approval is a check on the President's power.
Part B: Matching
Match each item on the left to the correct answer on the right.
1. Match each item to its correct answer.
Presidential veto
→ President rejects a bill from Congress
Court declares a law unconstitutional
Congressional override
→ Two-thirds vote defeats a veto
Two-thirds vote defeats a veto
Impeachment
→ Congress charges a President with wrongdoing
Congress charges a President with wrongdoing
Judicial review
→ Court declares a law unconstitutional
President rejects a bill from Congress
Grade 5 students should connect each check with the branch that uses it and what it does.