The Constitutional Convention met in Philadelphia in 1787 and ratified the Constitution of the United States of America. The first three Articles of the Constitution make up the Separation of Powers clause, also known as checks and balances. Checks and balances create three separate branches of the federal government and ensure that no one branch becomes more powerful than the others. The 3 branches of government are executive, judicial, and legislative. The legislative branch makes the laws of the United States through a Congress of elected representatives and senators. The House and Senate maintain their role as a check and balance to the executive branch by impeaching the President as necessary and approving presidential nominations for federal office. Congress also approves treaties. The executive branch executes laws and proposes a federal budget. It is overseen by the President of the United States. The Vice President serves in the absence of the President and as a special member of the Senate. The Vice President does not impact the Senate as a non-voting member and can only vote in case of a tie. The judicial branch upholds the Constitution and interprets federal laws and court cases. The Supreme Court heads the judicial branch. There are nine justices appointed by the President and approved by Congress. Supreme Court justices serve for life.