Study Aid: Checks and Balances

Checks and Balances

Executive Branch

• carries out the laws
• can veto laws
• can call special sessions of Congress
• controls enforcement of laws
• nominates judges
• can pardon people convicted of federal crimes
• commander in chief
• develops foreign policy

Legislative Branch

• makes the laws
• declares war
• can impeach president and other high officials
• Senate approves presidential appointments
• Senate approves treaties
• can override presidential vetoes
• exercises power of the purse

Judicial Branch  

• interprets the law
• can declare laws or presidential actions unconstitutional
• lifetime appointments for federal judges