Part 1
Build the table
Put every card in the right branch and the right row. The colour tells you the row; you work out the branch.
Institution
Core job
Signature power
A check it holds
Recent example
On a computer, drag a card into a box. On a phone, tap a card then tap the box. A few cards are traps from the UK system - leave those in the bank. Press Check when you are done.
Cards (jumbled)
Part 2
How they keep each other in check
No branch stands alone. Each can limit the other two. This is the bit that wins marks in the 30-mark answers.
Congress checks the President
Overrides the veto, impeaches, controls the budget, and the Senate confirms appointments.
Impeached Trump twice (2019, 2021); shutdown standoffs (2023).
The President checks Congress
Can veto bills passed by Congress.
Recent presidents have used the veto to block legislation.
The Court checks both
Judicial review: strikes down laws and executive orders that breach the Constitution.
Biden v Nebraska (2023) struck down the student-loan order.
The President checks the Court
Nominates Supreme Court justices.
Trump appointed Gorsuch, Kavanaugh and Barrett.
Congress checks the Court
The Senate confirms or rejects justices, and Congress can begin a constitutional amendment.
Confirmation hearings for Barrett (2020) and Jackson (2022).
The Court checks Congress
Can rule an Act of Congress unconstitutional.
West Virginia v EPA (2022) limited the reach of federal law.
Part 3
12-mark practice (comparative)
Section A style. Three developed points, both countries in every point, no introduction or conclusion. Type your points, then reveal the model.
Part 4
30-mark practice (evaluate)
Section B style. One clear line of argument held to the end, three themes weighing both sides, a final judgement that matches your opening. Plan it in the boxes, then reveal the model.