What is the President's primary check on the law-making power of Congress?
The veto. The President can refuse to sign a bill passed by Congress, sending it back with objections.
What is a "pocket veto"?
An indirect veto where the President does not sign a bill within 10 days (excluding Sundays) and Congress has adjourned, preventing it from becoming law.
How can the Judicial Branch check the power of Congress?
Through judicial review, the Supreme Court can declare a law passed by Congress to be unconstitutional.
What is the effect of a law being declared unconstitutional?
The law is nullified and becomes void, as if it were never passed.
How does the Vice President, as part of the Executive Branch, have a role in the Senate?
The Vice President serves as the President of the Senate and can cast a tie-breaking vote.
How can the President influence the legislative agenda of Congress?
By using the State of the Union address and public appeals (the "bully pulpit") to propose legislation and pressure Congress to act.
Can the Supreme Court proactively review laws for constitutionality before they are passed?
No. The Court can only rule on the constitutionality of a law when it is challenged in a specific legal case.
