Which of these is an example of a governmental "check and balance"?

Select one:

a. The Department of Defense contracts with a private company.

b. Citizens attend public meetings about a new housing development.

c. National Guard troops provide security after a hurricane.

d. The Supreme Court overturns a law passed by Congress.

Question

Social Studies

Anabelle Briggs

8 January, 01:37

Which of these is an example of a governmental "check and balance"?

Select one:

a. The Department of Defense contracts with a private company.

b. Citizens attend public meetings about a new housing development.

c. National Guard troops provide security after a hurricane.

d. The Supreme Court overturns a law passed by Congress.

+4

Answers (1)

Know the Answer?

Brian Russo · Answer 1

The correct answer is D.

The system of Checks and Balances is a mechanism established in the US to preserve the principle of division of powers at the federal goverment level. The principle of division of powers states that the power of the state has to be divided in three independent branches: legislative (Congress), executive (government) and judiciary (court system).

A system to preserve the balance between the branches needs to be implemented, so that none of the branches gathers enough power as to overrule the others. For example, the Supreme Court has the power of judicial review, through which it can overturn laws passed by the Congress or goverment actions, if such practices are considered to be unconstitutional.