Florida Civics EOC Practice Test

How can the executive branch limit the powers of the legislative branch?

1. Veto legislation

2. Declare laws unconstitutional

3. Impeach members of Congress

4. Pass new laws

The correct answer is: Veto legislation

The ability of the executive branch to veto legislation is a significant constitutional power that serves as a check on the legislative branch. When the president vetoes a bill, it prevents that legislation from becoming law unless Congress overrides the veto with a two-thirds majority vote in both the House and the Senate. This power is specifically designed to ensure that the executive can block legislation that it deems unwise, unnecessary, or harmful, effectively limiting the legislative branch’s authority to enact laws. In contrast, other options either do not accurately describe the powers of the executive branch or are reserved for different branches of government. Declaring laws unconstitutional is a function of the judicial branch, not the executive. Impeaching members of Congress is a power held by the legislative branch itself, while the executive does not possess such authority. Passing new laws is also the purview of the legislative branch, as the role of the executive primarily concerns enforcing and applying laws rather than creating them.