1. **Stating the problem:** Identify how the branches of the U.S. government check each other by placing the constitutional powers into the correct boxes in the diagram. 2. **Understanding the branches and powers:** - The three branches are President (Executive), Congress (Legislative), and Supreme Court (Judicial). - Checks and balances allow each branch to limit the powers of the others. 3. **Constitutional powers given:** - "Appoints judges" and "Can declare a law unconstitutional" belong to the President and Supreme Court respectively. - "Approves judges" and "Can veto laws" belong to Congress and President respectively. - "Can impact president" is a general check from Congress to President. 4. **Assigning powers to the diagram boxes:** - The dashed rectangle on the right (connected to President) should contain "Can veto laws" because the President can veto laws passed by Congress. - The dashed rectangle on the left (connected to Congress) should contain "Approves judges" because Congress approves judicial appointments. - The dashed rectangle between Congress and President labeled "Can impact president" represents Congress's power to check the President. - The Supreme Court's power "Can declare a law unconstitutional" checks Congress. - The President "Appoints judges" to the Supreme Court. 5. **Summary of checks:** - President appoints judges (to Supreme Court). - Congress approves judges. - Supreme Court can declare laws unconstitutional (checks Congress). - President can veto laws (checks Congress). - Congress can impact President (e.g., override veto, impeachment). This completes the placement of constitutional powers in the diagram according to the checks and balances system.