Checks and Balances

             In the United States Federal Constitution, there is a system specifically designed to prevent one of the three branches from gaining too much power. This system is called Checks and Balances. Over the course of history, there have been many instances where this system has been put into effect.
             The system of Checks and Balances is very simple yet intricate. For example, if the President [E] isn't fulfilling his responsibilities as a leader or behaving inappropriately, the Legislative Branch [Congress] can limit him though the power of impeachment (Doc 1). The Judicial Branch can limit his power through the process of judicial review. This is when a justice can declare a law unconstitutional (Doc 6). If Congress [L] is proposing a bill to the President [E] that he feels isn't in the best interests of the nation, he has the power to veto the bill. Most often, a bill can not become a law without the consent and ratification of the President (statistics of Presidential vetoes are shown on the chart in Document 3). The President [E] can also check the power of the Judicial Branch through the appointment of justices. With a new justice in place, over time, there is a chance an earlier decision made by the Supreme Court can be overturned. This can only be done, however, with the ratification of a constitutional amendment.
             Over time, there have been infamous cases where Checks and Balances have been put into effect.
             The Senate's rejection of the treaty of Versailles was an important historical controversy. In 1919, World War I had ended. Then-President Woodrow Wilson had put into the treaty his idea for world peace called the "14 Points". The section that caused conflict was the proposal for an international peace-keeping organization called the League of Nations. Ironically, if any member-nation had conflict, other members would then be forced to send their troops into a "peace war" in whi...

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Checks and Balances. (1969, December 31). In MegaEssays.com. Retrieved 17:00, March 28, 2024, from https://www.megaessays.com/viewpaper/11498.html