Separation of Powers with Checks and Balances

Executive Powers

Making foreign treaties

Executive Powers

Enforcement of federal laws and court orders

Executive Powers

Service as commander in chief

Legislative Powers

Passage of federal legislation

Legislative Powers

Establishment of federal courts lower than the Supreme Court

Judicial Powers

Resolution of conflicts over the law

Judicial Powers

Interpretation of U.S. Constitution and federal laws

Judicial Powers

Trying of federal lawsuits

Judicial checks on Executive

Judicial review of executive orders, administrative regulations, and the implementation of laws

Executive checks on Judiciary

Appointment of judges

Executive checks on Judiciary

Power of pardon

Judicial checks on Legislature

Judicial review of statutes

Executive checks on Legislature

Veto power

Executive checks on Legislature

Vice president as president of Senate

Executive checks on Legislature

Calling of emergency sessions of both houses

Executive checks on Legislature

Authority so force adjournment when both houses cannot agree on adjournment

Legislative checks on Executive

Impeachment (House); trial for impeachment (Senate)

Legislative checks on Executive

Overriding of vetoes

Legislative checks on Executive

Approval of appointments, treaties, and ambassadors (Senate)

Legislative checks on Judiciary

Approval of federal judges (Senate)

Legislative checks on Judiciary

Impeachment of federal judges (House) and impeachment trails (Senate)

Legislative checks on Judiciary

Initiation of constitutional amendments

Legislative checks on Judiciary

Creation of inferior courts

Legislative checks on Judiciary

Determination of jurisdiction of federal courts