Separation of Powers

&
Checks and Balances
 What is Separation of Powers?
Separation of Powers - Powers of the government are divided between
the three branches

Branches of Government
● Executive
● Legislative
● Judicial
 Executive Branch
Head of the Branch: President

Duty of the Branch: Enforce the laws

Powers of the President:

● Sign bills into law or veto

● Appoint heads of federal agencies (President’s Cabinet)
● Make treaties
● Pardons to criminals of federal crimes
 Legislative Branch
Main Body of the Branch: Congress

Head of the Branch: Speaker of the House and Vice President (controls Senate)

Duty of the Branch: Make the laws

Powers of the Congress: Create and pass laws

Create annual budget

Taxing citizens

Declare War
 Judicial Branch

Main Body of the Branch: Supreme Court

Head of the Branch: Chief Justice

Duty of the Branch: Interpret the laws

Powers of the Court: Judicial review (Marbury v Madison)

Settle disputes between states

Hear appeals from lower courts

 Checks
and
Balances
Executive Branch to...
LEGISLATIVE JUDICIAL
● Appoint judges
● Recommend Legislation ● Grant reprieves and pardons
● Call special sessions of
Congress
● Veto bills
Legislative Branch to...
EXECUTIVE
● Override Presidential veto
● Impeach the President
● Refuse Presidential appointees
JUDICIAL
● Impeachment of Judges
● Refuse judicial appointments
● Propose constitutional
amendments to overrule
Supreme court decisions
Judicial Branch to...
EXECUTIVE LEGISLATIVE
● Interpret laws
● May rule Presidential action ● Declare laws unconstitutional
unconstitutional
● Judges appointed to serve for
life
 Legislative Branch Legislative to Executive: Executive Branch

Executive to Legislative:

Judicial to Legislative:
Checks and Balances Executive to Judicial:
Judicial Branch

Legislative to Judicial: Judicial to Executive: