1. Congress has the power to create and pass legislation. This is a check on the Executive Branch, who carries the legislation out but does not create it.
2. The Executive has the power to veto bills. This is a check on Congress' power to create legislation
3. The US Senate (branch of Congress) is responsible for ratifying treaties. This is a check on the Executive's ability to go it alone making foreign policy.
4. The Executive has the ability to appoint federal judges. This is a check on the Judicial branch, who does not get to choose its own members. It is also a check on the Legislative branch, who is involved in the process but does not have total control over the process.
5. The Legislative branch has the ability to impeach Federal officials. This is a check on BOTH the executive and judicial branch as the Legislative branch has the ability to impeach both executive and judicial branch members.
6. The Legislative branch has the power to advise and consent over Presidential appointments. They can choose to confirm, or not. This is a check on the Executive branch, who puts forth nominees but who has to have their nominees approved.
7. The Judicial branch has the ability to declare laws unconstitutional. This is a check on the Legislative branch but also on the Executive branch as there has been an explosion in the amount of regulations created by Executive agencies and the Courts can also find this department made law unconstitutional.
8. The Legislative branch has the ability to override a Presidential veto with a 2/3ds vote. This is a check on the Executive branch's ability to veto and ensures a fair process.
9. The Judicial branch has the power of being appointed for life. This is a check on the people, the legislative branch, and the executive branch as it insulates the Judicial branch from the whims of the masses and from shifting views in the Legislative branch and the executive branch ensuring that the Judicial branch is beholden only to the law after nomination.
