Discuss how the system of checks and balances in the Constitutional framework ensures that no one group or branch of government can exercise exclusive control.

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

Answers will vary. A system of checks and balances was also devised to ensure that no one group or branch of government can exercise exclusive control. Even though each branch of government is independent of the others, it can also check the actions of the others. The president checks Congress by holding a veto power, which is the ability to return bills to Congress for reconsideration. Congress, in turn, controls taxes and spending, and the Senate must approve presidential appointments. The judicial branch can check the other branches of government through judicial review-the power to rule congressional or presidential actions unconstitutional. In turn, the president and the Senate exercise some control over the judiciary through the president's power to appoint federal judges and the Senate's role in confirming presidential appointments.Among the other checks and balances built into the American system are staggered terms of office. Members of the House of Representatives serve for two years, members of the Senate for six, and the president for four. Federal court judges are appointed for life but may be impeached and removed from office by Congress for misconduct. Staggered terms and changing government personnel were supposed to make it difficult for individuals within the government to form controlling factions.