When a form of government separates powers into multiple layers which can regulate or overturn a decision from one layer to the next it is referred to as a check and balance system of government. In the United States the constitution split the democracy into three branches of government. The form of governing has both benefits and drawbacks. The main benefit is that when a decision is made it reflects the opinion of the body at large. Due to all of the oversight and need for cooperation it does complicate and slow the process of governing. This form of managing large organizations has made its way into most modern large corporations. It helps ensure that the initiatives that a business takes on in the best interest of the company and cannot be driven by a single individual or small group of people.
These worksheets look at how checks and balances work in the American government. Students will explore the history behind this system and how it made its way to its modern form. We look at the limitations and procedures that were put in place because of running a system like this. Each of the branches are explored and we look at the powers and limitations of each branch. We will also explore the concepts of impeachment and veto power.