How the legislative, executive, and judicial branches check and balance each other's power. Front: the check or balance scenario. Back: which branch acts and why.
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- What body must confirm a President's cabinet appointments?
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The Senate (Legislative branch checks Executive appointments)- What can the Senate do if it does not approve a treaty the President signed?
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Refuse to ratify it (treaties require Senate ratification to be binding)- What power does Congress have when the President vetoes a bill?
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Congress can override the veto with a two-thirds majority in both chambers- How can Congress remove a sitting President from office?
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The House impeaches and the Senate holds a trial and votes to convict (two-thirds majority required)- Why does the Executive branch need Congressional approval to spend federal money?
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Congress controls the power of the purse through appropriations bills- Who has the constitutional power to declare war?
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Only Congress (the President is Commander in Chief but cannot declare war)- What federal judges must the Senate confirm?
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All federal judges, including Supreme Court justices- What power does Congress have over the size of the Supreme Court?
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Congress determines how many justices serve (currently nine)- How can Congress overturn a Supreme Court decision about the Constitution?
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Congress can propose a constitutional amendment (requires ratification by three-fourths of states)- What power does Congress have to remove a federal judge from office?
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Congress can impeach a judge (House) and convict (Senate with two-thirds majority)- Which branch creates the structure of the federal court system?
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Congress establishes federal courts under Article III of the Constitution- What is a presidential veto?
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The President's power to reject a bill and prevent it from becoming law- Who nominates candidates for the Supreme Court and federal judgeships?
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The President nominates them (the Senate must confirm them)- What does a presidential pardon do?
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It reverses a conviction or removes punishment for a federal crime- What power do courts have over laws passed by Congress?
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Courts can declare laws unconstitutional and strike them down (judicial review)
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