Final answer:
Both presidents and Congress have distinct powers to influence the judiciary; presidents through nominations and lifetime appointments, and Congress by modifying court structures, confirming nominations, and potentially rewriting laws or amending the Constitution.
Step-by-step explanation:
Presidents and Congress use several occasions to help shape the Court's position on different matters. The president has the power to leave a lasting impact on the judiciary through the nomination of judges to the federal courts, including the Supreme Court. These nominees typically reflect the president’s own ideological stances.
Moreover, with lifetime appointments, a president’s choice can extend his or her influence on legal matters well beyond their term in office.
Congress, on the other hand, exercises its check on the judiciary through its power to modify the federal court system, control appellate jurisdiction, and confirm or reject the president's judicial nominees. In reaction to court rulings, Congress has the authority to rewrite laws or even initiate constitutional amendments to negate a court's decision.
In cases where judicial interpretation is necessary, the Supreme Court can exert significant influence by interpreting the Constitution and legal statutes.
However, the Court's decisions are dependent on the executive branch for enforcement and the legislative branch for the necessary funding, creating a system of checks and balances among the three branches of the government.