The Founders designed the U.S. government with three separate branches, each with distinct powers, to prevent any single person or group from gaining too much control.
Legislative Branch
MAKES THE LAWS
Who: Congress — Senate (100) and House (435)
Key Powers: Write laws, declare war, control budget, levy taxes, confirm appointments
Terms: Reps: 2 years. Senators: 6 years.
Executive Branch
ENFORCES THE LAWS
Who: President, VP, Cabinet, agencies
Key Powers: Sign/veto laws, command armed forces, executive orders, appoint judges
Term: 4 years, max 2 terms.
Judicial Branch
INTERPRETS THE LAWS
Who: Supreme Court (9 justices) and federal courts
Key Powers: Interpret Constitution, declare laws unconstitutional, set precedent
Term: Life tenure.
Checks and Balances
Each branch has specific powers to limit the other two.
Override vetoes (2/3 vote), control funding, confirm appointments, impeach the president
Confirm or reject judicial nominees, impeach judges, propose constitutional amendments
Veto legislation, call special sessions, recommend legislation
Nominate federal judges, grant pardons
Declare laws unconstitutional (judicial review), interpret statutes
Declare executive actions unconstitutional, issue injunctions
Why Separation of Powers Matters
The Founders divided government into three branches — each elected or appointed differently, serving different terms — to create a system where ambition checks ambition. This design has kept American democracy functioning for over 230 years.