Separation of Powers

The system of checks and balances is an important part of the United States Constitution. With checks and balances, each of the three branches of government can limit the powers of the others. This way, no one branch becomes too powerful.

The three branches of government are the Legislative branch, the Judicial branch and the Executive branch. The Legislative branch consists of the two houses of Congress: The Senate and The House of Representatives. The Judicial Branch consists of the Federal Court System led by the Supreme Court. The Executive branch consists of the President and his Cabinet.

Powers of the Legislative Branch

The powers of the Legislative branch are listed in Article I of the Constitution, including:
Impeachment, (The House)
The trial of impeachments, (the Senate)
Power To lay and collect Taxes, Duties, Imposts and Excises,
to pay the Debts and provide for the common Defence and general Welfare of the United States,
To borrow Money on the credit of the United States,
To regulate Commerce with foreign Nations,
To establish an uniform Rule of Naturalization,
and uniform Laws on the subject of Bankruptcies,
To coin Money, and regulate the Value thereof,
To establish Post Offices and post Roads,
To constitute Tribunals inferior to the Supreme Court,
To declare War,
To raise and support Armies,
To provide and maintain a Navy,
To make all Laws which shall be necessary and proper for carrying into Execution the foregoing Powers, and all other Powers vested by this Constitution in the Government of the United States, or in any Department or Officer thereof.
Ratify Treaties, (two-thirds vote of the Senate)
Confirm Presidential appointments,
Override of Presidential Veto (two-thirds vote of each house)

Powers of the Executive Branch

The President has the following powers:
Veto of acts of Congress Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces,
Power to pardon, except in cases of impeachment,
Make Treaties
Appointment of Ambassadors, other public ministers and consuls, Judges to the federal courts, and all other Officers of the United States,

The Vice President has the tiebreaking vote in the Senate.

Powers of the Judicial Branch

The Jurisdiction of the Federal Court System includes: