Checks and Balances

In this system, the powers of one branch of

government are balanced by the powers of another. Each
branch can check, or stop, another branch. If one branch
tried to use its powers wrongly, the other two could keep
it under control.
The system of checks and balances makes it
impossible for one branch of federal government to act
without the cooperation of another branch. For example,
under the Constitution, the President is allowed to order
the army into battle. Yet only Congress can declare war.
So Congress has a check on the Presidents powers.
Although the Congress may pass any law, the President
can veto, or refuse to approve, the law. The system of
checks and balances does not end there. If two-thirds of
the members of both houses of Congress agree, Congress
can override, or cancel a veto. In this way, Congress can
still pass a law even if the President has vetoed it.
The Supreme Court can check the powers of both the
Congress and the President. It can put a stop to any law
passed by Congress or signed by the President. To do
this, the Supreme Court must decide whether such a law
is allowed by the Constitution.