Directions: A responsible citizen
of the United States understands how the constitutional principle of checks and
balances protects the three branches of government. You write an essay about
the effectiveness of the system of checks and balances related during a
particular administration, You must:
1.
State
a position that evaluates whether the system of checks and balances worked during
a particular Administration by evaluating whether it prevented one branch from
exercising too much power.
2.
Provide
background on your position by describing the Administration.
3.
Provide
background on your position by explaining how one branch checked or could have checked another during this time with
two or more examples.
Provide
reason(s) for your position that include:
· An evaluation of whether one branch increased its power
during this Administration relative to another with two or more examples to
support your position.
Make
explicit references within the paper or presentation to three or more credible sources
that provide relevant information AND cite sources within the essay.
1.
INTRODUCTION
2.
EXAMPLE
#1 (SUPPORTING YOUR POSITION)
·
3.
EXAMPLE
#2 (SUPPORTING YOUR POSITION)
·
4.
CONCLUSION
ESSAY SAMPLE
Was
Checks and Balances Effective During the Obama Administration?
The system of Checks and Balances is a unique feature of Constitution
to help ensure that no one branch became too powerful. Each branch has powers
that it can use to check and balance the operations and power of the other two
branches. The Legislative branch is responsible for creating and passing laws
that all American citizens must follow. They also have the ability to check the
Executive Branch by approving Presidential appointments. The Executive Branch
is responsible for executing laws that were established by the Legislative
Branch. The Executive Branch has the ability to check the Legislative branch by
vetoing legislation passed by Congress. The Judicial Branch is responsible
interpreting the laws and determining if actions are constitutional. The
Judicial branch has the ability to check Congress by declaring whether
legislation is constitutional or not.
President Barack Obama Resources
President George W. Bush Resources
