CHECKS AND BALANCES
EXECUTIVE BRANCH
The President: Authority to call special sessions
of Congress; President is commander-in-chief;
Power to veto bills
The President: Grant
reprieves and pardons;
Appoint judges to fill
vacancies in the court
Courts: Interpret laws and
presidential actions; Judges
appointed by the President
serve for life
JUDICIAL BRANCH
Courts: Interpret laws;
Determine constitutionality;
Serve for life.
Congress: Approve presidential
appointments; Authority to bring
impeachment hearings; Power to
override presidential vetoes; Control
appropriations; Ratify treaties; Declare
war
LEGISLATIVE BRANCH
Congress: Power to institute new
courts; Authority to impeach; Approve
judicial appointments made by the
President.
1. List 2-3 examples from your lifetime of ways each branch of the
federal government checks and balances the other.
2. Which branch do you think has the most power in checking the
other?
3. What is the ultimate check on the powers of the federal
government? Explain.