The judicial branch can:
• Check the power of the legislative branch by declaring a law unconstitutional.
• Check the power of the executive branch by declaring an action (such as an executive order) unconstitutional.
Find out more in the “The Courts.”

The legislative branch can:
• Check the power of the executive branch by refusing to fund executive activities (the power of the purse), by impeaching the president or vice president, and
by withholding confirmation of individuals the president has nominated to federal posts.
• Check the power of the judicial branch by impeaching federal justices and judges. In the U.S. Congress, each chamber -- the Senate and the House of Representatives -- balances the powers of the other. The most obvious example is the requirement that a bill must be approved by both chambers before it can become law.
Find out more in “Congress.”

The executive branch can:
• Check the power of the legislative branch by vetoing bills passed by Congress.
• Check the power of the judicial branch by nominating new judges to replace those who die or retire.
Find out more in “The President.”