Executive Orders, Congressional Action, and the Autonomy of the District of Columbia

The United States Constitution established three co-equal branches of government: the legislative branch makes laws, the executive branch enforces laws, and the judicial branch interprets laws. This system of checks and balances creates an interplay of power between and among the branches of government, ensuring that each holds its own authority, but is also subject to and dependent on the authority of the other branches to fully function. Article I of the U.S. Constitution gives the U.S. Congress the power to make laws. While this power is subject to the president’s veto power, which Congress can override, the president cannot usurp Congress’ legislative power.