Checks and Balances

This basic civics book presents a defining element of the U.S. federal government’s structure: the balance of power through checks and balances. Giving a nod to ancient Rome’s tripartite government as a model for the Founders, Kenney explains that they created the executive, the legislative, and the judicial branches in order to prevent any one part (or person) from ruling unchecked by the others.

The text explains how a decision by each branch of government can be overturned by one of the other two. The book’s layout typically includes the main text and a related information box on the left-hand page, facing a well-chosen color photo on the right. A pertinent introductory volume from the U.S. Government: Need to Know series (6 titles).