How can Congress check the powers of the U.S. president and the federal courts?

Under the U.S. system of checks and balances, Congress holds specific constitutional powers to limit the actions of the executive and judicial branches.

Checking the President

Congress exercises several controls over the executive branch:
* Veto Override: While the president can veto legislation, Congress can override this action with a two-thirds vote in both houses.12
* Appointments and Treaties: The Senate must provide its advice and consent for high-ranking executive appointments and must approve treaties by a two-thirds majority.12
* Power of the Purse: Only Congress has the authority to appropriate funds, allowing it to control the resources available to executive agencies.1
* Impeachment: Congress has the power to impeach and remove the president for abuses of power.1

Checking the Federal Courts

Congress also maintains authority over the federal judiciary:
* Appointments: The Senate must confirm all presidential nominations to the Supreme Court and lower federal courts.23
* Structure and Jurisdiction: Congress establishes the size of the Supreme Court and the organization of the federal judicial system.3
* Impeachment: Federal judges may be impeached by the House and removed by the Senate.13
* Constitutional Amendments: By initiating amendments to the U.S. Constitution, Congress can effectively reverse Supreme Court decisions.1