Checks and Balances

Separation of powers splits the work. Checks and balances let each branch interfere with the others on purpose. Congress can pass a bill; the President can veto it; Congress can override with two-thirds of both houses. The President nominates justices; the Senate confirms; the Court can strike down a statute.

Impeachment is a legislative check on the executive and the judiciary. The House impeaches; the Senate tries. Treaties and major appointments require Senate consent. Courts lack armies and purse strings — they depend on the other branches to honor judgments, which is why independence and legitimacy matter so much.

The design is inefficient by intent. Gridlock is not always a bug. The framers feared concentrated power more than they feared delay. Knowing which lever belongs to which branch is most of civic literacy.