AP Gov Separation of Powers

Why?

prevent tyranny and protect liberty

“The Power to Make Law”

Legislative Branch

make laws

Legislative Branch

declare war

Legislative Branch

tax and spend (Power of the Purse)

Legislative Branch

regulate interstate commerce

Legislative Branch

confirm presidential appointments

Legislative Branch

impeach and remove officials

Legislative Branch

overrides presidential veto

Legislative Branch

impeaches president and judges

Legislative Branch

confirms or rejects nominees

Legislative Branch

controls federal funding

Legislative Branch

conducts oversight hearings

Legislative Branch

“The Power to Enforce Law”

Executive Branch

enforces laws

Executive Branch

Commander in Chief

Executive Branch

veto legislation

Executive Branch

appoints judges and officials

Executive Branch

conducts foreign policy

Executive Branch

executes laws passed by congress

Executive Branch

“The Power to Interpret the Law”

Judicial Branch

interprets the constitution

Judicial Branch

judicial review

Judicial Branch

resolves constitutional disputes

Judicial Branch

declares laws unconstitutional

Judicial Branch

limits executive actions

Judicial Branch