Separation of Powers Checks and Balances Flowchart

Separation of Powers/Checks and Balances Flowchart Directions: Cover up one branch and focus on learning just two branches at a time (i.e., start with how the Legislative and Executive Branches check each other, then how the Legislative and Judicial Branches check each other and so on). Article I: Congress (Bicameral: House & Senate) Main Power: Passes Laws Enumerated Powers (Here are some of the most significant ones): Tax, regulate commerce with foreign nations and between the states, declare war Necessary and Proper Clause/Elastic Clause: Source of implied powers and gives Congress flexible power & authority. Legislative checks Executive: Override Presidential Veto Oversight Legislative checks Judicial: Create/abolish federal courts Senate: confirms appointments (e.g., federal judges), holds impeachment trial Senate ratifies treaties, confirms appointments, holds impeachment trial House impeachment Executive checks Legislative: Veto laws State of the Union Article II: Executive Branch (President and Bureaucracy) Main Power: Enforces Laws Expressed powers include: Commander in chief; appoints department heads; recommends legislation; meets with ambassadors/heads of state; faithfully executes laws Judicial checks Legislative: Judicial Review Injunctions (court orders) House: impeachment Article III: Judicial Branch Judicial checks Executive: Judicial Review Injunctions (court orders) Executive checks Judicial: Appoints federal judges Pardons Main Power: Interpret Laws Power of judicial review: asserted by Supreme Court in Marbury v. Madison Judicial review: power to strike down laws and executive actions as unconstitional