Separation of Powers

Separation of Powers

Dividing government responsibilities into distinct branches to limit any one branch from exercising the core functions of another.

Checks and Balances

A system that ensures that no one branch of government becomes too powerful by providing each branch with the means to limit the others.

Legislative Branch

The branch of government responsible for making laws, which includes the House of Representatives and the Senate.

What is the role of the Senate in the legislative process?

The Senate checks the House, confirms presidential nominations, and can veto bills passed by the House.

What can Congress do to the President?

Congress can impeach the president, override vetoes, and control budgetary decisions.

What power does the Judicial Branch have over presidential acts?

The judicial branch can declare presidential acts unconstitutional.

How does the Executive Branch influence legislation?

The President can veto Congressional legislation and nominates judges.

What is a hierarchical check in the context of the Judicial Branch?

Congress decides the number of justices and sets the power of the Supreme Court, while the Court can declare laws unconstitutional.

Impeachment

The process by which a legislative body levels charges against a government official, which can lead to removal from office.

Veto

The power of the president to reject legislation passed by Congress.