Which of the following is an example of checks and balances within the federal government?

Which of the following is an example of checks and balances within the federal government?

• A. The president appoints federal judges
• B. The House proposes legislation
• C. The Senate confirms nominees for federal judgeships
• D. The Supreme Court legislates

Answer: (C)

The concept of checks and balances is fundamental to the structure of the federal government, designed to ensure that no one branch becomes too powerful. The correct example related to checks and balances is the process where the Senate confirms nominees for federal judgeships. This process illustrates checks and balances because it involves the legislative branch (the Senate) reviewing and approving or rejecting appointments made by the executive branch (the president). This serves as a check on the president's power, ensuring that judicial appointments reflect a consensus rather than unilateral decisions by the president alone. The other choices do not exemplify checks and balances in the same way. While the president appointing federal judges is part of his executive authority, it does not involve a check from another branch at that moment. The House proposing legislation is a standard function of the legislative branch, without direct involvement from the other branches at that stage. Lastly, the Supreme Court legislating is a misinterpretation of its role; the Court interprets laws rather than legislates, and thus does not represent a check on the legislative process.

The concept of checks and balances is fundamental to the structure of the federal government, designed to ensure that no one branch becomes too powerful. The correct example related to checks and balances is the process where the Senate confirms nominees for federal judgeships.

This process illustrates checks and balances because it involves the legislative branch (the Senate) reviewing and approving or rejecting appointments made by the executive branch (the president). This serves as a check on the president's power, ensuring that judicial appointments reflect a consensus rather than unilateral decisions by the president alone.

The other choices do not exemplify checks and balances in the same way. While the president appointing federal judges is part of his executive authority, it does not involve a check from another branch at that moment. The House proposing legislation is a standard function of the legislative branch, without direct involvement from the other branches at that stage. Lastly, the Supreme Court legislating is a misinterpretation of its role; the Court interprets laws rather than legislates, and thus does not represent a check on the legislative process.