Legislative
Congress - the branch of government that makes the laws
Executive
President - Enforces laws
Judicial
Supreme Court - the branch of government that interprets the laws and determines whether they are constitutional
Checks and Balances
A system that allows each branch of government to limit the powers of the other branches in order to prevent abuse of power
Judicial over Legislative
Determines how Congress meant the law to apply to disputes.
Determines which laws Congress intended to apply to any given case
Judicial over Executive
Declares who the President is.
Determines if actions are unconstitutional.
Determines if branch is enforcing laws properly.
Legislative over Judicial
Approves judicial appointments
Creates lower courts;
May impeach judges
Legislative over Executive
Approves presidential nominations.
Controls budget.
Can pass laws over the President's veto.
Can impeach the President.
Executive over Legislative
Can veto or sign laws.
Call congress into special session.
Enforce laws.
Executive over Judicial
Appoint Judges.
Pardoning.
Enforce court orders.