How can a legislative branch exert power over the other two branches?

Answer 1

It makes laws!

Some powers it holds over the other branches are:

As to the executive branch, it may impeach, convict and remover the president; it may override a presidential veto and it has the power of the purse to fund or not fund programs the president wants to put into place.

As to the judicial branch the Senate must confirm nominations of people to be judges, it fixes the number of judges and justices in the courts; it fixes rules of procedure within the courts; it may impeach judges in the same way it may impeach a president.

It also fixes the salaries of everyone in all branches although it may not reduce the salary of the president or most judges and all justices while they are serving.

Answer 2

1) Laws limiting power: The Congress writes and passes laws. They can pass laws that limit the power of the other two branches. They have restricted the ability of the President to make war in the past (the War Powers Act,) and they can also restrict the jurisdiction of courts.

2) Advice and Consent: Almost all Cabinet appointees, as well as most Federal judges require the approval of the Senate.

3) Power of the Purse: Neither the President nor the Supreme Court can make money appear out of thin air. They need cash to pay for everything from pensions to payroll to Patriot missiles, and Congress is the only branch that can levy taxes. If Congress says no to some program, it is not going to last very long.

4) Impeachment: When a President has crossed the line, the Congress is the main body in charge of removing them from office.

Answer 3

Legislative branches can check on the Executive branch by, override president's veto.