Separation of powers and checks and balances AND bill become law Essay

Separation of powers and checks and balances AND bill become law - Essay Example Each of these branches of government holds different powers. Another prominent aspect of this government structure is the system of checks and balances. In these regards, the system of checks and balances is such that each of the branches of government is structured to check and balance the powers of the opposing branches. There are a variety of instances in which this system of checks and balances work. In terms of the legislative branch, this function of government checks the executive branch through its ability to enact impeachment proceedings against the President; the legislative branch also oversees the judicial branch as it has the ability to oversee judges for committing crimes or unethical actions (Douglas). In terms of the executive branch, the President holds veto power over bills based in the House and the Senate (Douglas). Finally, the judicial branch oversees the legislative branch through its ability to interpret laws passed by this branch of government (Douglas). A fundamental aspect of the American government is its fluid ability to pass and amend laws. The Constitution established the process where a bill becomes a law. The overarching process where a bill becomes a law occurs as a bill is brought to the House of Representatives ("U.S. Constitution") . The Congress must agree on the law and pass it with majority approval. After the bill passes through Congress it is sent to the Senate where it also must be approved. After the bill passes the Senate it is then sent to the President. The President must sign the bill into law. If the President doesn’t support the bill he has a veto power. If the President decides to veto the bill, then it returns to Congress. Congress then has the option to override the veto if they are able to attain 2/3rds-voting support for the measure. This is referred to as overriding a veto ("U.S. Constitution"). In addition to this overarching process of passing a bill into