US Constitution — Answer Key
Part A: Fill in the Blank
Write the missing word or number on each line.
1. The system of checks and balances prevents any one branch from becoming too powerful.
Checks and balances means each branch has power over the others to prevent any one branch from dominating.
2. The President can veto a bill passed by Congress to stop it from becoming law.
The presidential veto is an executive check on the legislative branch. Congress can override it.
3. Congress can override a presidential veto with a two-thirds majority.
A two-thirds majority in both the House and Senate can override a presidential veto — a legislative check.
4. The Supreme Court can declare a law unconstitutional through judicial review.
Judicial review (established in Marbury v. Madison) lets courts strike down laws that violate the Constitution.
5. The Senate must confirm presidential appointments to the Supreme Court.
Senate confirmation is a legislative check on executive appointments — the Senate approves or rejects the President's nominees.
6. There are nine justices who serve on the Supreme Court.
The Supreme Court has one Chief Justice and eight Associate Justices — nine total.
7. Members of the House of Representatives serve two-year terms.
Representatives serve 2-year terms. This means they face voters frequently, keeping them accountable.
8. The idea that government power is divided among branches is called separation of powers.
Separation of powers divides government into legislative, executive, and judicial branches to prevent tyranny.
9. The judicial review power was established in the case Marbury v. Madison.
In Marbury v. Madison (1803), Chief Justice John Marshall established judicial review for the Supreme Court.
Part B: Matching
Match each item on the left to the correct answer on the right.
1. Match each item to its correct answer.
Legislative branch
→ Makes laws for the nation
Carries out laws signed by Congress
Executive branch
→ Carries out laws signed by Congress
Confirms presidential appointments
Judicial branch
→ Interprets laws and the Constitution
Makes laws for the nation
Senate
→ Confirms presidential appointments
Interprets laws and the Constitution
Legislative=makes laws(idx2); Executive=carries out laws(idx0); Judicial=interprets laws(idx3); Senate=confirms appointments(idx1)