Why does the U.S. Constitution separate the government into three branches? At the nation’s founding, the Constitution’s framers understood that executive, legislative, and judicial responsibilities differed, and they provided for these distinct functions. They also believed that concentrating authority in one body would result in tyranny. They therefore divided the government into legislative, executive, and judicial branches, so that no single part would become too strong, and empowered each to limit or “check” the powers of the others. This exhibit examines Congress’s unique role and the ways in which it can balance or dynamically shape and challenge the powers of other two branches. Show
Congress and the Judicial Branch: JurisdictionThe Constitution stipulates that “the judicial Power of the United States, shall be vested in one supreme Court, and in such inferior Courts as the Congress may . . . establish,” but leaves the details of organization and authority for Congress to decide through legislation. How large is the Supreme Court and what is its jurisdiction? What kinds of cases must it hear? How many inferior courts are needed? Congress has used its constitutional authority to address these essential questions. Congress and the Judicial Branch: CompositionThe president nominates Supreme Court justices, but the Senate has the sole power to confirm those appointments. The confirmation process has changed over time, but Congress’s capacity to shape the judiciary continues to be an important check on that interpretive body, as does its power to impeach and try members of the federal judiciary for “high crimes and misdemeanors”. These powers have elicited some of the most dramatic moments in congressional history. Congress and the Judicial Branch: NegotiationCongress creates laws; the Supreme Court interprets those laws in the context of legal disputes and rules on their constitutionality. Congress can change the courts’ size, structure, and jurisdiction. The two branches have sometimes disagreed on issues, each questioning the actions of the other, but have also found common ground, building on and reinforcing each other’s work. This constitutional dialogue between those who write our laws and those who interpret them is central to the U.S. system of checks and balances. Congress and the Executive Branch: Nominations and AppointmentsThis all-important check upon the president’s power gives the Senate influence over the composition of the executive and judicial branches. Although the Senate has confirmed the vast majority of presidential nominations, its consideration of nominees has produced some notable confrontations between the legislature and the chief executive. This advice-and-consent role is one of the most significant constitutional checks on the presidency. Congress and the Executive Branch: Balancing PowerCongress is the central law-making body to which the executive and judicial branches respond. Congress writes and debates the laws that govern the United States, and it can override presidential vetoes. The Senate’s advice-and-consent power over treaties and both chambers’ important role in amending the Constitution also indicate the legislature’s essential role in the nation’s representative government. Congress and the Executive Branch: InvestigationsThe nation’s founders, mindful of human nature and the potentially corrupting effects of power, anticipated congressional oversight of the federal government. In addition to investigating misuse of federal funds and abuses of power, Congress also gathers information needed to create new legislation. The power to investigate is one of Congress’s most important tools for developing effective public policy, conducting oversight, and informing the public. The Constitutional Structure For Limited And Balanced GovernmentThe Constitution was devised with an ingenious and intricate built-in system of checks and balances to guard the people's liberty against combinations of government power. It structured the Executive, Legislative, and Judiciary separate and wholly independent as to function, but coordinated for proper operation, with safeguards to prevent usurpation of power. Only by balancing each against the other two could freedom be preserved, said John Adams. Another writer of the day summarized clearly the reasons for such checks and balances:
"INDEED, the dependence of any of these powers upon either of the others ... has so often been productive of such calamities... that the page of history seems to be one continued tale of human wretchedness." (Theophilus Parsons, ESSEX RESULTS) What were some of these checks and balances believed so important to individual liberty? Several are listed below:
It is up to each generation to see that the integrity of the Constitutional structure for a free society is maintained by carefully preserving the system of checks and balances essential to limited and balanced government. "To preserve them (is) as necessary as to institute them," said George Washington. Footnote: Our Ageless Constitution, W. David Stedman & La Vaughn G. Lewis, Editors (Asheboro, NC, W. David Stedman Associates, 1987) Part III: ISBN 0-937047-01-5 How does Congress check the power of the executive branch?Checks on Executive powers:
Congress can override vetoes by two-thirds vote. Senate can refuse to confirm appointments or ratify treaties. Congress can impeach and remove the President. Congress can declare war.
How does Congress check the judicial branch?Congress can pass legislation to attempt to limit the Court's power: by changing the Court's jurisdiction; by modifying the impact of a Court decision after it has been made; or by amending the Constitution in relation to the Court.
What power is used to check the judiciary by the executive branch?EXECUTIVE (President) is a check on JUDICIARY by having power to nominate new judges. LEGISLATIVE (Senate) is a check on EXECUTIVE and JUDICIARY having power to approve/disapprove nominations of judges. LEGISLATIVE is a check on JUDICIARY - having control of appropriations for operation of federal court system.
What are 3 ways Congress and the President can check the judiciary?Congress can check the Judiciary by: 1) rejecting presidential appointments to the federal judiciary; 2) proposing constitutional amendments to overrule judicial decisions; 3) impeaching federal judges (including Supreme Court justices), 4) making exceptions to the judiciary's appellate jurisdiction.
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