Under civilian control, the President is subject to checks and balances by which government branches?

• A. Executive orders
• B. Legislative acts
• C. Legislative and Judicial
• D. Judicial rulings

Answer: (C)

Checks and balances ensure the President’s power is limited by other parts of government, keeping civilian control intact. The Legislative branch can restrain the presidency through laws, budgeting, oversight, and its power to confirm appointments or impeach the President. The Judicial branch can review and interpret laws and presidential actions, striking down or blocking those that overstep constitutional authority. Together, these two branches provide the broad, ongoing oversight the President faces. Executive orders are tools the President uses, not checks on the President. Judicial rulings alone show a limit, but without legislative processes to shape laws and oversight, the President would have fewer checks. That’s why the combination of Legislative and Judicial best describes who checks the President.