That one's country is superior to other countries
I think it determines your progress at something. It determines on what you can, or need to improve, or possibly change.
Answer:
George W. Bush reacted well to the threat by standing up for the Americans and saying that the U.S power has lost credibility with the terrorists.
Checks and balances help balance the U.S. government power (the three branches). Each branch's powers are kept in check by the powers given to the other two branches.