Civics Question: What influence do I have as a US citizen?

[LarryW]

Do the Legislative or Judicial Branches of our Government have any real influence in our country without the expressed permission of the Executive Branch?

All Departments that have any power reside under the Executive Branch (DoL (can I believe any of the Labor Statistics), DoJ (would the FBI investigate anyone in the Executive Branch), DoD, DoS, USDA, VA, HHS, NSA, CIA, you name it). Or, if SCOTUS ruled on any law, would the Executive Branch enforce it if the decision was not in their favor? Really?

I dislike feeling that as an American citizen the only thing I can do to influence my Government is demonstrate. (sigh) (end rant.)