📚 Topic Summary
The US government operates on a system of checks and balances, primarily between Congress and the President. Congress, composed of the Senate and the House of Representatives, holds legislative power, creating laws and controlling the federal budget. The President, as the head of the executive branch, enforces these laws. However, presidential actions, such as treaties and appointments, often require Congressional approval. This shared power dynamic ensures neither branch becomes too dominant, maintaining a balance of power as intended by the Constitution.
🧠 Part A: Vocabulary
Match the term with its correct definition:
| Term |
Definition |
| 1. Veto |
A. Formal agreement between the US and another country |
| 2. Impeachment |
B. Presidential rejection of a bill passed by Congress |
| 3. Treaty |
C. Power of the President to forgive a crime |
| 4. Pardon |
D. Process of charging a government official with misconduct |
| 5. Executive Order |
E. A rule issued by the president that has the force of law |
✍️ Part B: Fill in the Blanks
Fill in the missing words in the following paragraph:
Congress has the power to ________ war, while the President serves as the ________ in ________ of the military. The Senate must ________ presidential appointments, and Congress can ________ a President for "high crimes and misdemeanors." The President can ________ bills passed by Congress, but Congress can override this with a two-thirds vote.
⚖️ Part C: Critical Thinking
Describe a specific historical event or current issue where there has been a significant conflict or debate between Congress and the President regarding the scope of their respective powers. How was the conflict resolved, or how is it being addressed?