Question

Comparing the Branches

As you have learned, the Constitution divides the federal
Practice
government into three separate branches – the legislative,
executive, and judicial branches - each with its own powers and
responsibilities. This separation of powers, along with the system
of checks and balances, ensures that no single branch has all the
power.
For this assignment, you will reflect on everything you have learned about the
legislative, executive, and judicial branches and compare their powers and
responsibilities
​

Answer 1

The executive power is led by the President, and is in charge of executing the law, and implementing government policy. The executive is also in charge of the armed forces.

The legislative power consists of the Senate and the House of Representatives, and is in charge of creating the laws. It also checks the power of the President, and has the faculty of impeachment (removing the President from office).

Finally, the Judicial branch consists of the courts, the most important being the Supreme Court. It is in charge of interpreting the law and delivering justice.

Each branch checks on each other power. For example, the Supreme Court has the power of judicial review: it checks that the laws passed by Congress are constitutional, and in case they are not, these laws become null.

Another example is the Presidents' veto power: laws only become law when the president signs them, and the President has the power to refuse to sign (to veto) any law (only once) that comes from Congress.