Trump's Second Travel Ban Blocked by U.S. Judge

You're mostly right. The system is not designed so that all three branches have exactly equal power. There is an unstated and slight hierarchy, and the president is in the middle of the stack. Rather, each branch has certain powers to 'check' the other two:

In sum, Congress has the most power, which is intentional. Congress has certain powers over the executive branch:
- The President may not seat the most important people in government without Senate approval.
- Congress may override a presidential veto.
- Congress has the last word on taxing and spending, as well as the general structure and operation of the executive branch. (Put another way, Congess has the unilateral power to stop executive branch functions, if they really want to.)
- Congress may impeach the President, removing him from office.

The President enjoys some checks against Congress, especially the power of the veto. He may also call Congress to order if he wishes.

The third branch, the judiciary, has the power to review congressional legislation when it's challenged, against the constitution, and also to review presidential actions the same way. That's what's occurring here.

/r/worldnews Thread Parent Link - bloomberg.com