Checks and Balances + Separation of Powers

What are "Checks and Balances?"

A system in which the different parts of an organization (such as government) have powers that affect and control the powers of other parts.

Judicial -> Executive

Chief Justice presides over impeachment of president, may prevent executive action through injunction, and the court can declare presidential acts unconstitutional.

Legislative -> Executive

Congress must approve presidential appointments, congress controls budget, congress can pass laws over presidents veto, congress can impeach and remove president from office.

Judicial -> Legislative

Court can declare laws unconstitutional.

Executive -> Legislative

President can veto congressional legislation; may propose legislation to congress, submits federal budget to house of reps, appoints federal officials who carry out and enforce laws.

Legislative -> Judicial

Senate must confirm president's judicial appointments, congress can impeach and remove judges from office, congress can change laws; initiate a constitutional amendment, restrict jurisdiction of courts to hear certain types of cases, create whole new court systems or abolish existing ones, expand or contract times and places that federal courts sit.

Executive -> Judicial

The President appoints judges, can pardon individuals convicted of crimes (amnesty).

What is "Separation of Powers?"

The system of checks and balances.