Analyze the table. Which of the following is an example of the legislative branch checking the power of the executive branch?

Question

A. Congress issues pardons to convicted felons.
B. Congress overrides a presidential veto of a bill passed by Congress.
C. Congress impeaches a federal judge.
D. Congress refuses to abide by a Supreme Court decision.

Answer 1

The correct example of the legislative branch checking the power of the executive branch is:

B. Congress overrides a presidential veto of a bill passed by Congress.

This action demonstrates a check on the executive branch since it allows Congress to enact legislation despite the President's disapproval, thus asserting its authority over the executive.

To analyze the other options:

• A. Congress issuing pardons is incorrect because the power to issue pardons resides with the executive branch (the President).
• C. Congress impeaching a federal judge pertains to the judicial branch and is not an example of checking the executive branch.
• D. Congress refusing to abide by a Supreme Court decision relates to checks on the judicial branch, not the executive.

Thus, option B is the only correct example of the legislative branch checking the executive branch's power.