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The Three Branches of Government: Checks and Balances

Explore the separation of powers in the U.S. government and how checks and balances prevent any branch from gaining too much power. Learn about the legislative, executive, and judicial branches, their responsibilities, and the system of checks and balances in action.

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The Three Branches of Government: Checks and Balances

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  1. The Three Branches of Government 3 Branches of Government Separation of Powers

  2. The Three Branches of Government The Main Idea The Constitution prevents any person, or any part of the government, from taking too much power. It does this by creating three separate branches of the federal government and distributing power among them.

  3. Responsibilities of the three branches of government: The Three Branches of Government • Legislative—the lawmaking branch • Executive—executes the country’s laws • Judicial—interprets laws and punishes law breakers

  4. What are Checks and Balances? No branch is too strong No branch is too weak The constitution prevents any of the three branches of the U.S. government from getting too powerful by giving them checks and powers. Checks - restraints or control over other branches. Powers – Specific powers one branch has that another does not.

  5. Checks and Balances

  6. Checks and Balances

  7. Legislative Branch In 2005, Harriet Miers was nominated to the U.S. Supreme Court by President Bush. Congress did not approve. Powers • Make Laws • Can override presidential veto with a two-thirds majority in each house of congress. • Approves appointments of federal court judges.

  8. U.S. Supreme Court Building Checks on Legislative Powers • President can veto bills. • The Supreme Court can rule that a law is unconstitutional.

  9. Executive Branch Powers • Can approve or veto laws • Carries out the laws • Appoints federal court judges • Commander and Chief of military

  10. Checks on Executive Powers Andrew Johnson and Bill Clinton have been the only two presidents who have ever been impeached. However, they were not removed from office. Congress can override presidential veto with a two-thirds majority in each house. Congress can impeach and remove the president for high crimes and misdemeanors. Senate approves or denies the president’s appointments to federal courts.

  11. Judicial Branch Powers • Interprets the meaning of law • Can rule that laws passed by Congress or action taken by the executive branch as unconstitutional

  12. Checks on Judicial Powers Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas was almost refused appointment by the Senate because of sexual harassment allegations. Congress or the states can propose an amendment to the Constitution to make a law constitutional. Senate can refuse to approve appointments to the federal courts. Congress can impeach and remove a federal judge from office.

  13. Executive Branch  Legislative Branch Executive Branch  Legislative Branch Legislative Branch Executive Branch  Executive Branch  Judicial Branch Legislative Branch Executive Branch  Legislative Branch Judicial & Executive Judicial Branch Legislative & Executive Legislative Branch Executive Branch Judicial & Executive Legislative & Executive Legislative Branch Executive Branch

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