Separation of Powers and Checks and Balances

The powers of the government are separated among the three branches of government.

Goal is to limit any one branch from abusing its power.

Congress (bicameral): House of Represents (435 members) & Senate (100 members)

Makes the laws of the nation

Approves the annual budget

Confirms presidential appointments

Raises revenue through taxes

Regulates interstate and foreign trade

Declares war

Headed by the president (chief executive of the nation)

Executes the laws of the land

Prepares the annual budget for congressional action

Appoints cabinet officers, ambassadors, and federal judges

Oversees executive agencies and departments

Consists of federal courts

Including the Supreme Court, the highest court in the land

Supreme Court exercises power of judicial review

Federal courts try cases involving federal law

Federal courts rule on cases involving questions about the interpretation of the Constitution

Each of the three branches of the national government limits the exercise of power by the other two branches

Override presidential vetoes

Impeach and convict a president

Approve the budget

Approve presidential appointments

Confirm or refuse to confirm federal judges

Impeach and convict judges/justices

Proposes legislation

Prepares an annual budget for Congress to approve

Call special sessions of Congress

Vetoes legislation Congress has passed

Appoints judges

Grants pardons and reprieves

Declare acts of Congress to be unconstitutional

Declare executive actions to be unconstitutional