Table of Contents
The United States government is divided into three branches: the courts, Congress, and the President. Each branch has specific powers and responsibilities. They are designed to check and balance each other to prevent any one branch from becoming too powerful.
The Role of Congress
Congress is the legislative branch. It makes laws and controls government spending. Congress can also check the President by overriding vetoes and confirming appointments.
The Role of the President
The President is the executive branch leader. The President enforces laws and manages the government. The President can check Congress by vetoing laws and can check the courts by appointing judges.
The Role of the Courts
The courts are the judicial branch. They interpret laws and decide if laws or actions are constitutional. Courts can check Congress and the President by ruling laws or actions unconstitutional.
Checks and Balances in Action
- The President vetoes a law passed by Congress.
- Congress overrides the veto with enough votes.
- The courts declare a law unconstitutional.
- The President appoints judges who may influence future rulings.