1. Checks & Balances

2. System of Checks & Balances
System established by the Constitution so that no branch would gain too much power.
Wanted to avoid possibility of a leader getting absolute power.
Each branch will check the other two.
No branch can do anything without the one of the other two approving it.

3. Three Branches

4. Legislative Branch (Make Laws)
Pass new laws.
Can impeach federal officials.
Can override a veto.
Controls appropriations of money.
Can impeach judges.
Can propose amendments.
Can ratify a treaty.

5. Executive Branch (Enforce Laws)
Can veto laws.
Make treaties.
Appoint Supreme Court Justices.
Can appoint federal officials.
Can issue presidential orders.
Can offer a pardon to a convicted criminal.
Can require a special session of Congress.

6. Judicial Branch (Interpret Laws)
Can declare laws unconstitutional.
Can overturn presidential orders as unconstitutional.