Branches of Government

Appointing federal judges

Declaring war

Negotiating treaties with foreign nations

Granting pardons for federal offenses

The President issues an executive order without Congressional input.

The Supreme Court declares a law passed by Congress to be unconstitutional.

Congress increases funding for a popular social program at the President's request.

A state government enacts a law that conflicts with federal law.

The House of Representatives must approve the nomination.

The Senate must confirm the nomination.

A joint session of Congress must approve the nomination.

The Supreme Court must review the nominee's qualifications.

House members serve six-year terms, while Senators serve two-year terms.

House members serve four-year terms, while Senators serve six-year terms.

House members serve two-year terms, while Senators serve six-year terms.

There is no difference; both serve four-year terms.

Increased voter turnout in competitive districts

More diverse representation in Congress

Safe seats for incumbents, regardless of their performance

A more proportional distribution of seats based on state population

Marbury v. Madison

Baker v. Carr

Shaw v. Reno

McCulloch v. Maryland

The Senate ratifying a treaty with a foreign nation.

The House initiating tax and spending bills.

The President issuing an executive order.

The Supreme Court declaring a law unconstitutional.

A bill easily passes both houses of Congress and is signed into law by the President.

The House and Senate pass different versions of a bill, which are then reconciled in a conference committee.

The President vetoes a bill passed by Congress, and Congress is unable to override the veto.

A Supreme Court decision strikes down a law as unconstitutional.

Negotiating a trade agreement with another country

Vetoing a bill passed by Congress

Deploying troops to a foreign country

Appointing a new Secretary of State

To expand the President's authority to use military force

To require the President to consult with Congress before deploying troops

To give the President the power to declare war without Congressional approval

To eliminate the need for Congressional oversight of military operations