Three Branches of Government



Three Branches of GovernmentStudentName of your college here Three Branches of Government AMERICAN GOVERNMENT The Founding Fathers met in 1787 to work out the Constitution which would outline the government’s structure and functions. The nation they created under that newly formed Constitution was a republic, where elected representatives run the country for the benefit of the citizens. To ensure that the government they organized would survive intact through the years, the delegates decided it must be written down in a formal document. James Madison, a delegate from Virginia, researched and studied government structure before he went to Philadelphia. With the knowledge he gained, he devised something called the Virginia Plan. Much of his plan was adopted when the final Constitution was finished. The national government would have actual power, and would consist of three distinct branches: An legislative branch (to make the laws)An executive branch (to carry out the laws)A judicial branch (to enforce the laws)The Legislative BranchThe legislative branch consists of the Senate and the House of Representatives, together known as the Congress. There are 100 senators, two from each state. Each state has a different number of representatives, and the number depends on the population. Currently, there are 435 members of the House. The legislative branch has the responsibility of passing the nation's laws and determining the funds for the running of the federal government and providing assistance to the 50 U.S. states.The Executive BranchThe executive branch consists of the president, vice president and Cabinet-level departments such as State, Defense, Interior, Transportation and Education. The head of executive branch is the president, who chooses his vice president as a running mate before the election, and his Cabinet members who head the respective departments. A crucial function of the executive branch is to ensure that laws are carried out and enforced to allow the day-to-day responsibilities of the federal government as collecting taxes, safeguarding the homeland and representing the United States' political and economic interests around the world.The Judicial BranchThe judicial branch consists of the United States Supreme Court and lower federal courts. Its primary function is to hear cases that challenge laws or interpret laws. The U.S. Supreme Court has nine Justices, who are chosen by the President, confirmed by the Senate, and are appointed for life.Checks and BalancesA benefit of the different branches with different functions is that the power is spread between them. Also, each different branch has the ability to “oversee” certain functions of the other. This is called checks and balances. Legislative BranchChecks on the Executive Impeachment power (House)Trial of actual impeachments (Senate)May override Presidential vetoesSenate approves departmental appointmentsSenate approves treaties and ambassadorsApproval of replacement Vice President, if necessaryPower to declare warPower to enact taxes and allocate fundsPresident must, from time-to-time, deliver a State of the Union addressChecks on the Judiciary Senate approves federal judgesImpeachment power (House)Trial of impeachments (Senate)Power to initiate constitutional amendmentsPower to set courts inferior to the Supreme CourtPower to set jurisdiction of courtsPower to alter the size of the Supreme CourtChecks on the Legislature - because it is has two parts, the Legislative branch has a degree of self-checking. Bills must be passed by both houses of CongressHouse must originate money related billsNeither house may adjourn for more than three days without the consent of the other houseExecutive BranchChecks on the Legislature President has veto power to stop any bill passedVice President of the U.S. is President of the SenatePresident is Commander in chief of the militaryEmergency calling into session of one or both houses of CongressChecks on the Judiciary Power to appoint judgesPardon powerChecks on the Executive Vice President and Cabinet can vote if the President is unable to discharge his dutiesJudicial BranchChecks on the Legislature Judicial reviewSeats in the Congress can be taken away for bad behaviorCompensation cannot be diminishedChecks on the Executive Judicial reviewChief Justice sits as President of the Senate during presidential impeachmentThe Legislative branch of government creates public policy by the laws passed and enacted into law. Congress also holds open committee investigations into subjects of interest and concern, taking testimony and thoroughly examining the issues. Often, with the information obtained new laws are created, or existing laws are amended to meet the needs of the public. Congress also has the “last word” on ratifying treaties, and the appointment of the Justices of the Supreme Court. These actions have a huge impact on the public policy. The Judicial Branch, especially the Supreme Court has the ability to strike down laws that are unconstitutional. The opinions that are issued interpret laws and discuss in depth, the reasoning behind the opinions, forming public policy for many years to come. Examples of this are the opinions relating to slavery, abortion, and states’ rights, which have become part of the fabric of our laws. The Executive Branch signs bills into law, or can veto a law, both of which can drastically affect public policy. The President can take whatever means necessary to enforce the law. The various Cabinet heads affect public policy through their departments’ activities. One of the challenges facing all three branches of the government is the constant threat of terrorism which came to the forefront on September 11, 2001. While protecting our way of life and our liberties, vigilance against possible attacks on our soil forces the government into a “balancing act.” Restrictions and regulations on travel, while more and more necessary, cannot unduly restrict Americans’ freedom. When our military forces are deployed by necessity, the situation must not get to another “Viet Nam.” References BIBLIOGRAPHY \l 1033 Comparing the Articles and the Constitution. (2005). Retrieved August 22, 2011, from The U.S. Constitution: . (2005). Retrieved August 22, 2011, from National Constitution Center: govt.htmlThree Branches of Government. (n.d.). Retrieved August 22, 2011, from Harry S. Truman Library: lessons/3branches/1.htmUniversity of Arizona. (n.d.). Retrieved August 22, 2011, from U.S. Constitution Online: ................
................

In order to avoid copyright disputes, this page is only a partial summary.

Google Online Preview   Download