Powers of the Three Branches

Congressional Power

Passes Laws-writes, debates, and votes on bills that can become federal laws

Congressional Power

Budget Control- has the "power of the purse," meaning it controls federal spending and taxation.

Congressional Power

Declare war and control military funding and policy

Congressional Power

Can propose amendments and potentially change the Constitution with enough state support

Congressional Power

Can conduct investigations, create oversight committees, and can impeach/remove officials from other branches

Congressional Power

Confirms appointments, so the President doesn't appoint anyone that the Senate doesn't approve

Congressional Power

Can pass emergency measures in event of a crisis

Presidential Power

Enforces federal laws

Presidential Power

can issue executive orders to direct federal agencies or address issues immediately

Presidential Power

sets the country's foreign policy agenda, oversees treaties (with Senate approval), and directs relationships with other countries. Appoints ambassadors, negotiates agreements, impose sanctions, recognize foreign governments, impacts global alliances & partnerships

Presidential Power

commander in chief--can deploy troops and direct military actions.

Presidential Power

Sets national priority through state of the union, budget proposes, outlines priorities for country

Presidential Power

Appoints federal judges

Presidential Power

Guides economic policy through interactions with treasury and federal reserve. Proposes federal budget.

Presidential Power

Can respond to national emergencies by activating federal agencies like the national guard

Presidential Power

Shifts culture with the "bully pulpit"--brings attention to certain social issues

Judicial Power

Interpret the Constitution, clarifying what its provisions mean in modern contexts

Judicial Power

Set legal precedents, or guiding principles, that lower courts and future cases follow. A landmark ruling in one case can shape the outcome of many future cases, creating a ripple effect across the legal system.

Judicial Power

Interprets federal law--Clarify the meaning and scope of federal laws, determining how they should be applied--expands or limits impact of legislation/executive action

Judicial Power

power to expand or protect individual rights through their rulings

Judicial Power

Declare laws or executive actions unconstitutional, preventing them from being enforced.

Judicial Power

Interpret constitutional principles. Decisions apply to states and can override state laws that are go against the decision.

Judicial Power

Set balance of power between state and federal government by ruling on disputes

Judicial Power

Creates long term change, because they have lifetime tenure, and they will rule in the same way for their whole life.