The Supreme Court has the authority to overturn laws deemed unconstitutional.
The U.S. Constitution outlines the three government branches and their specific roles for the nation. The executive, legislative and judicial branches all have different responsibilities, thus ensuring that a system of checks and balances is maintained. No one person or governmental body has sole authority to create and enforce the country's laws and regulations.
Executive Branch
The executive branch includes the President, Vice President and the cabinet. The primary duty of the executive branch is to oversee and enforce the federal laws and policies enacted by Congress. The President, in addition to being Commander-in-Chief of the armed forces, has the power to approve or veto legislation passed by Congress, which is the law-making body of the United States. According to the White House website, the President is responsible for maintaining diplomatic relations with other countries and keeping the American public informed about the status of the country. The President appoints members of his cabinet and has authority over federal government agencies as well. The Vice President's main duty is to assume the President's responsibilities should he become incapacitated. In addition, the Vice President can cast the deciding vote in the Senate in the event of a tie. The President's cabinet is made up of the 15 executive department heads. They meet with the President regularly and oversee executive departments such as the Departments of Justice, Education, Energy, Defense and Labor.
Legislative Branch
The legislative branch is responsible for making the laws of the United States. The Congress, made up of the Senate and the House of Representatives, develops and votes on legislative bills. A bill can only be made into a law when both the Senate and House vote to pass the legislation. The President then signs the bill into law or vetoes it. However, according to the U.S. Constitution, the legislative branch can override a presidential veto if at least two-thirds of Congress members vote to do so. In addition to its primary duty of making laws, the legislative branch is responsible for declaring war as well as overseeing confirmation hearings for presidential appointees.
Judicial Branch
The judicial branch is charged with the responsibility of enforcing laws through the court system. Although there are courts at every level--from local to federal--the highest judicial authority is the U.S. Supreme Court. The court system is responsible for ensuring that individuals charged with breaking a local, state or federal law are given a fair trial as outlined in the Constitution. For example, those on trial have the right to legal representation and to be heard before a jury of their fellow citizens. The U.S. Supreme Court, comprised of justices appointed by the President for life terms, rules primarily on appellate cases. Supreme Court Justices also handle cases involving diplomats and ambassadors They must analyze law and determine its application in the cases brought before the court.
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