What is a disadvantage of the checks and balances
system?
(1 point)
It places too much power in the judicial branch.
It can make it difficult for any part of the government to
enact changes.
It can force the president to obey a law that the
president feels is unjust.
It removes power from the House, and therefore from
the majority of citizens.
It can make it difficult for any part of the government to enact changes.
The correct answer is: It can make it difficult for any part of the government to enact changes.
To determine the answer to this question, we need to understand the concept of checks and balances and analyze the given options.
The checks and balances system is a fundamental principle in the U.S. government structure, designed to prevent any one branch from becoming too powerful and to ensure a system of shared powers. It allows each branch -- the executive, legislative, and judicial -- to limit the actions of the other branches.
Analyzing the options:
1. "It places too much power in the judicial branch": While the judicial branch has the power to interpret laws and decide their constitutionality, the checks and balances system prevents it from having excessive power. The other branches have means to limit and influence judicial decisions.
2. "It can make it difficult for any part of the government to enact changes": This statement reflects a potential disadvantage of checks and balances. The system requires cooperation among branches to pass legislation and implement changes. This can sometimes lead to slow decision-making and difficulty in achieving consensus.
3. "It can force the president to obey a law that the president feels is unjust": This statement also highlights a disadvantage. The checks and balances system requires the president to uphold and enforce laws, including those they may personally disagree with. This can create a conflict between the president's personal beliefs and their duty to uphold the law.
4. "It removes power from the House, and therefore from the majority of citizens": This statement is not an accurate assessment of the checks and balances system. The system does distribute power among the three branches but does not remove power from the House or the citizens. The House of Representatives, as part of the legislative branch, still holds significant power in the lawmaking process.
Considering the options discussed, option 2 -- "It can make it difficult for any part of the government to enact changes" -- is the most accurate disadvantage of the checks and balances system.