Makes the law
LEGISLATIVE BRANCH
Congress
May declare
laws
unconstitutional.
Signs bills into
law.
May veto
legislation.
May
recommend
legislation.
Nominates
department
heads.
CHECKS AND BALANCES
Power to
impeach the
President.
May override
veto with a twothirds vote.
Creates agencies
and programs,
appropriates funds.
Approves or rejects
nominations for
department heads and
other appointees.
Interprets the law
Carries out the law
EXECUTIVE BRANCH
The President
May declare
executive acts
unconstitutional.
Appointed for life =
free from executive
control
Can propose
amendments to
Constitution w/ 2/3
vote. (States ratify)
President appoints
Supreme Court
justices
Approves or rejects
appointment of
judges.
Power to
impeach federal
judges.
JUDICIAL BRANCH
The Supreme Court
and other federal courts
Appoints
(nominates)
federal judges.