Review from 8th grade

To avoid an imbalance of power, the three branches of government “check” on each other and “balance,” or share, the powers of government. Checks and Balances

Executive Branch Checks Legislative Checks Judicial Can grant pardons (this also checks the Judicial branch) Can veto bills Checks Judicial Appoints federal judges

Legislative Branch Checks Executive Checks Judicial Can impeach federal officials Can overrule a president’s veto Can refuse to confirm judicial appointments Checks Judicial Rewrites laws to adjust to court rulings

Judicial Branch Checks Legislative Checks Executive Can declare laws unconstitutional Checks Executive Judges are free from executive control Can declare executive actions unconstitutional

Three Branches of Government

Congress: Makes Laws House of Representatives: (435 members) Reps serve a two year term (elected every two years) Must be 25 years old and have been a citizen for 7 years Can propose tax laws (revenue bills originate here!) Can impeach the president

Congress: Makes Laws Senate (100 members) Serve a six year term Must be 30 years old and have been a citizen for 9 years Approves presidential appointments (cabinet, Supreme Court Justices, federal judges…) 2/3 of Senators must approve of treaties the executive branch makes with foreign countries Holds the trial for all impeachments

Congress: Makes Laws Both houses together can: Propose laws Declare war Can override the president’s veto with 2/3 of both houses Can propose amendments to the constitution with 2/3 of both houses in agreement

Executive Branch (Pres., V.P., Cabinet): Enforces Laws Four year term of office with 2 term limit Must be 35 years old, a 14-year resident of the US, and native born (born a citizen) Has power to approve or veto laws Makes treaties w/ foreign governments Nominates Supreme Court Judges Appoints cabinet members Commander in Chief of US military forces

Judicial Branch: Interprets Laws Judges hold office for life (add: no age or citizen requirements) Can declare laws unconstitutional Resolves disputes involving the United States (they hear cases involving The Constitution) Resolves disputes between two states Chief Justice presides over a President’s impeachment trial There are 9 Justices!