What is a way the judicial branch checks the legislative branch?

The judicial branch checks the legislative branch primarily through the power of judicial review, which allows courts to declare laws unconstitutional. This power is rooted in the principle of checks and balances that ensures no single branch of government becomes too powerful. When the legislative branch enacts a law that conflicts with the Constitution, the judicial branch, through its interpretative authority, can assess the law's validity. If a court finds the law to be in violation of constitutional principles, it can nullify the law, thus providing a vital check on legislative power.

The other options do not accurately reflect how the judicial branch exercises its checks over the legislative branch. While impeachment of federal judges involves the legislative branch, it does not involve the judicial branch overseeing legislative actions. Approval of budgets pertains to fiscal matters within the control of Congress, and vetoing legislation is a power held by the executive branch, specifically the President. Thus, declaring laws unconstitutional is the correct mechanism by which the judicial branch checks the legislature.