Checks and Balances
Counterbalancing influences by which an organization or system is regulated, typically those ensuring that political power is not concentrated in the hands of individuals or groups.
Real Life Examples
- Executive Branch
-The President is the commander-in-chief of the army and the navy, but only Congress can declare war.
-The President nominates judges.
-The President can veto congressional legislation. - Legislative Branch
-Congress approves presidential nominations.
-Congress controls the budget.
-Congress can pass laws over the president's veto.
-Congress can impeach the president and remove him/her from office.
-The Senate confirms the president's nominations (for judges, etc.). - Judicial Branch
-The Court can declare laws unconstitutional.
-The Court can declare presidential acts unconstitutional.