U.S. Government/Civics quiz: Checks & balances

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What this quiz should check

Topic: Separation of powers and checks and balances in the U.S. Constitution (C3 D2.Civ.4.9-12). A good U.S. Government/Civics quiz on this asks students to:

• Explain the powers of each branch as set out in Articles I, II and III
• Give examples of checks: the veto and override, judicial review, Senate confirmation, impeachment and the power of the purse
• Analyze a historical or current case where one branch checked another
• Evaluate how the balance of power among the branches has changed over time

Misconceptions worth a question

• Assuming judicial review is written in the Constitution; it was established in Marbury v. Madison (1803)
• Mixing up the House's power to impeach with the Senate's power to try the case
• Thinking executive orders are laws passed by Congress

Teacher tip: Give short scenarios and ask which branch acts next and with what power.

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Teach it first

Plan the lesson on the same standard: objective, practice, differentiation and an exit ticket.

U.S. Government/Civics Checks & balances lesson plan prompt →