Separation of Powers

Checks and balances

A system by which branches check each other to equalize power

What 3 ways are the power of the US divided?

Congress makes the laws, the courts interpret the laws and the President enforces the laws.

Legislative Branch

Congress who makes the laws

Separation of Powers

Division of power in the government so that no one branch is too powerful

Why are powers separated?

So that no one branch can become too powerful.

Executive Branch

The President who carries out the laws

Judicial Branch

The Supreme Court who defines or interprets the laws

What two branches are checked by the legislative branch?

The executive and judicial branches

What two branches are checked by the judicial branch?

The executive and the legislative branches

What two branches are checked by the executive branch?

The judicial and the legislative branches

What is the job of the Executive Branch?

They carry out or enforce the laws

What is the job of the Judicial Branch?

They define or interpret the laws

What is the job of the Legislative Branch?

They make or "legislate" the laws