Question

How do separation of powers and checks and balances relate to Congress?

Answer 1

Throughout the U.S. government, checks and balances exist, as each division exercises certain rights that can be tested by the powers granted to the other two branches.

The president (head of the executive branch) acts as the armed powers' commander-in-chief, but Congress (legislative branch) appropriates armed funding and votes to wage war. Furthermore, all peace treaties must be ratified by the Senate. Congress has the power of the purse, since it manages the funds used to enforce any presidential acts.

Each house of Congress acts within the legislative branch as a check on the other's alleged abuses of power. For it to become law, both the House of Representatives and the Senate would approve a bill of the same manner. Veto power. The president has the right to veto the bill after Congress has passed a bill. In turn, with a two-thirds majority of both chambers, Congress may override a normal presidential veto. In a mechanism known as judicial review, the Supreme Court and other federal courts (judicial branch) can find laws or executive acts unconstitutional.