[Assess students' understanding of the U.S. constitutional system of checks and balances: how separation of powers among the legislative, executive, and judicial branches constrains authority and influences policy outcomes. Includes identification of institutional checks (vetoes and overrides, judicial review, advice and consent, impeachment, appropriations and oversight), analysis of landmark examples (e.g., Marbury v. Madison, notable veto overrides or impeachments), and short applied questions asking students to explain how specific checks alter policy decisions and implementation. Designed for Grade 9–12 with moderate analytical demands.]