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The Constitution divided the Government into three branches: legislative, executive, and judicial. That was an important decision because it gave specific powers to each branch and set up something called checks and balances. Just like the phrase sounds, the point of checks and balances was to make sure no one branch would be able to control too much power, and it created a separation of powers. Here are some examples of how the different branches work together:
See our "Branches of Government" infographic to find the checks and balances you see illustrated. How the Supreme Court WorksThe Supreme Court is:
How a Case Gets to the Supreme CourtMost cases reach the Court on appeal. An appeal is a request for a higher court to reverse the decision of a lower court. Most appeals come from federal courts. They can come from state courts if a case deals with federal law. Rarely, the Court hears a new case, such as one between states.
What Happens Once a Case is Selected for Review?
Every year:The Court receives 7,000-8,000 requests for review and grants 70-80 for oral argument. Other requests are granted and decided without argument. About the Justices:There are nine Justices:
When a new Justice is needed:
Justices are appointed for life, though they may resign or retire.
What powers are shared by the legislative and executive branches?For example, the President's ability to pardon without oversight is an example of separation of powers, while the law making power of Congress is shared with both the executive (through signing and vetoing legislation) and judicial branches (through declaring laws unconstitutional).
What do the executive and legislative branches have in common?The similarities for Legislative and Executive are they they both help in the process of law making and they approve/create laws. The differences for Executive are that they have the President, Vice President, and many more people.
In which type of government are the legislative and executive powers combined and shared?Defining characteristics of the parliamentary system are the supremacy of the legislative branch within the three functions of government—executive, legislative, and judicial—and blurring or merging of the executive and legislative functions.
How is power shared between the three branches of government?Each branch has separate powers, and generally each branch is not allowed to exercise the powers of the other branches. The Legislative Branch exercises congressional power, the Executive Branch exercises executive power, and the Judicial Branch exercises judicial review.
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