HISET Social Studies Practice

Which statement reflects the concept of checks and balances?

1. The President can unilaterally make laws

2. Congress has the ultimate authority over the judiciary

3. The judiciary can strike down laws passed by Congress

4. The executive branch is independent of congressional oversight

The correct answer is: The judiciary can strike down laws passed by Congress

The concept of checks and balances is designed to ensure that no single branch of government becomes too powerful, and that each branch can monitor and limit the actions of the others. The statement indicating that the judiciary can strike down laws passed by Congress accurately illustrates this concept. This power, known as judicial review, allows the courts to evaluate the constitutionality of legislative acts. By being able to annul laws that do not align with the Constitution, the judiciary serves as a critical check on the legislative branch, ensuring that Congress cannot enact laws that infringe upon the rights guaranteed by the Constitution or exceed its constitutional authority. In contrast, the other statements you considered either imply an imbalance of power or lack the necessary checks. For instance, stating that the President can unilaterally make laws undermines the legislative process established in the Constitution, which requires cooperation between the executive and legislative branches. Similarly, claiming that Congress has ultimate authority over the judiciary overlooks the judiciary's independence and its role in interpreting laws. Finally, the assertion that the executive branch operates independently of congressional oversight suggests a lack of accountability and oversight, which is contrary to the principles of checks and balances that guide the functioning of the U.S. government.