Wade, the United States Supreme Court has been the most influencing governmental branch in determining public policy on the legality of abortion since it occupies jurisdiction to interpret the Constitution and has the authority of judicial review. 6 Nonetheless, there still exists a substantial amount of power in the executive branch which stems from the presidents ability to appoint Supreme Court justices. American abortion law is a rather complex and broad scene and understanding it requires an adequate grasp of the American court system, the system of federalism, the theory of the separation of powers, and especially the doctrine of judicial review. Public policy on abortion emanates from four levels of policy-making institutions: state legislatures, federal courts, congress, and the executive branch. Although the legality of abortion essentially rested with the legislatures of the several states, in 1973, Roe v. Wade concluded that abortion was under the jurisdiction of the federal government as it became the "centerpiece of abortion law in the United States".4 While the "real" battle, regarding the concept of federalism, exists between the state and federal governments, the central point of discussion pertains to the separation of powers between the judicial and executive branches of government. Although the president occupies the duty to appoint Supreme Court justices, his power is limited in controlling the outcome of public policy in the area of abortion, since once justices are appointed and approved, they are free to operate and evolve as they wish, entailing their ultimate supremacy in molding social policy on the legality of abortion. .
While the president may seem to be the most influential and powerful man in the nation; in reality, he exercises limited power. According to the Constitution, there are various checks that other branches can use to curb his authority.
