Powers: Sign/veto legislation, command armed forces, conduct foreign policy, appoint federal judges & cabinet members, grant pardons
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Judicial
Article III Β· Courts
The branch that interprets laws and ensures they align with the Constitution, headed by the Supreme Court.
Supreme Court: 9 Justices, lifetime appointments
Circuit Courts: 13 Courts of Appeals
District Courts: 94 federal district courts
Powers: Judicial review, interpret the Constitution, strike down unconstitutional laws, resolve disputes between states and the federal government
Checks & Balances System
Congress Passes a Bill
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President Signs or Vetoes
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Congress Can Override Veto (2/3 majority)
Law Is Enacted
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Challenged in Federal Court
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Supreme Court Rules Constitutional or Not
President Appoints Judges
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Senate Confirms or Rejects
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Judge Serves for Life
The Bill of Rights & Beyond
All 27 Amendments
The Constitution has been amended 27 times since its ratification in 1788. The first ten amendments β ratified in 1791 β are collectively known as the Bill of Rights.