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Watch Bill Signing

Checks and Balances
The Constitution sets up three branches of government that check and balance one another's powers to ensure that no one branch is more powerful than another. The legislative branch debates and votes on bills. Read more

Worksheet (PDF) |

Vocabulary

Fun Fact
Presidents have vetoed nearly 2,300 laws, but Congress has only reversed 106 of those vetoes.

Capitol Question
"Who has the power to declare war: Congress or the President?"

Answer

Learn More
While the executive and legislative branches have check one another's powers, they often work together to craft legislation, build public support and set policy priorities. Search C-SPAN's Administration and Congress archives for examples of the two branches working together.

Review Quiz
1. What happens to a law after it is passed by both houses in Congress?

2. What kind of a majority must Congress have to reverse a veto?

3. Are most presidential vetoes reversed by Congress?

4. What is advise and consent?

5. Which of the three branches of government have the power to declare war?

C-SPAN in the Classroom
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Legislative Branch
Standard-Based Topics
Vocabulary
Quiz
Activities
Worksheets
Legislative Branch Leaders
U.S. Senate Web Site
U.S. House Web Site
Executive Branch
Standard-Based Topics
Vocabulary
Quiz
Activities
Worksheets
Executive Branch Leaders
White House Web Site

Judicial Branch
Standard-Based Topics
Vocabulary
Quiz
Activities
Worksheets
Judicial Branch Leaders
U.S. Supreme Court Web Site
Federal Courts Web Site

3 Branches of Government

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