How does the Executive Branch interact with the federal courts?
The President appoints most federal judges with the “advice and consent” of the Senate. Executive branch agencies propose legislation that often affects the courts. The Department of Justice, an executive branch agency, is the most frequent litigator in the federal courts. It prosecutes federal crimes and represents the government in civil cases. The courts have the power of review over presidential actions when these actions are properly brought before the courts in a lawsuit. The Chief Justice of the United States presides over impeachment proceedings against the President. Judges depend on the executive branch to enforce court decisions.
