Illustrate how separation of power and check and balances work in the U.S. Government ?

Separation of powers and checks and balances are key parts of our plan of government under the Constitution. Separation of powers means that each branch has a different job to do, and no branch of government can do everything by itself. In our system, the legislative branch makes the laws. The executive branch is responsible for carrying out the laws. The judicial branch interprets the laws. No branch has enough power to do everything by...

Separation of powers and checks and balances are key parts of our plan of government under the Constitution. Separation of powers means that each branch has a different job to do, and no branch of government can do everything by itself. In our system, the legislative branch makes the laws. The executive branch is responsible for carrying out the laws. The judicial branch interprets the laws. No branch has enough power to do everything by itself.

Checks and balances mean the branches have the ability to control each other so no branch has too much power. For example, while the legislative branch passes laws, the executive branch, led by the president, can veto those laws. If a bill is vetoed, it doesn’t go into effect. However, the legislative branch, Congress, can override the veto with a two-thirds majority vote in both houses of Congress. The judicial branch, our courts, can declare laws illegal or unconstitutional. This would prevent a law from staying in effect. The legislative branch can impeach members of the judicial and executive branch if they break laws or act inappropriately. Each branch has the ability to control the other branches under the system of checks and balances.