The delegates at the Constitutional Convention divided power between the national and state governments, and also separated the national government into three branches: the legislative, executive, and judicial branches. This created a system of separation of powers. To prevent any one branch from becoming too powerful, the founders established a system of checks and balances, allowing each branch to limit the powers of the others. For example, Congress checks the president through the power to override a veto or impeach, while the president checks Congress through the veto power and ability to call special sessions. This system aimed to prevent tyranny and protect individual liberties.

7. Checks and Balances May impeach judges May interpret laws May declare laws unconstitutional May interpret treaties May declare executive acts unconstitutional Appoints federal judges May veto acts of Congress May call Congress into special session May override a presidential veto Approves appointments of judges Approves treaties May impeach the President