Checks & Balances
This principle of the Constitution is closely connected with Separation of Powers. The Founding Fathers wanted to make sure that the three different branches of government, the legislative, executive and judicial, would be able to limit eachother’s powers. In this way they control certain powers as well as share other powers with them. For example, the President can appoint ambassadors or federal judges, but only with the approval of the Senate, the upper house of Congress. This is a very important way to protect the citizens’ liberties and ensure that no one group of people becomes too powerful. Each branch always has the other two branches looking over their shoulder.
Illustrated Metaphor Hint - To help with your drawing, imagine a product or process that doesn’t work unless several keys are turned or buttons are pushed, each being a separate branch checking the powers of the other. Or imagine a person or animal that starts something but is quickly put back into line by another person or animal.
This principle of the Constitution is closely connected with Separation of Powers. The Founding Fathers wanted to make sure that the three different branches of government, the legislative, executive and judicial, would be able to limit eachother’s powers. In this way they control certain powers as well as share other powers with them. For example, the President can appoint ambassadors or federal judges, but only with the approval of the Senate, the upper house of Congress. This is a very important way to protect the citizens’ liberties and ensure that no one group of people becomes too powerful. Each branch always has the other two branches looking over their shoulder.
Illustrated Metaphor Hint - To help with your drawing, imagine a product or process that doesn’t work unless several keys are turned or buttons are pushed, each being a separate branch checking the powers of the other. Or imagine a person or animal that starts something but is quickly put back into line by another person or animal.