The Supreme Court is no longer providing sufficient checks on executive power

Federal and state court systems of the United States, judicial appointments, constitutional interpretation and the rulings that decide policy when the other branches deadlock. Life tenure for federal judges makes each confirmation a durable political stake rather than a procedural step.

Highest court in the United States federal judiciary, with nine justices who interpret the Constitution and settle disputes the lower courts leave unresolved. Its rulings decide policy the elected branches cannot agree on, which is why each vacancy becomes a political event.

The scope of authority held by the American president over the executive branch, the military, federal spending and the enforcement of law. Tested through executive orders, emergency declarations and removals of officials, and checked, or not, by Congress and the federal courts.