Understanding the Three Branches of the U.S. Government Sample Essay
The U.S. Constitution segregates the federal government into three branches to separate powers and ensure no entity or individual holds excessive authority. The legislative, executive, and judicial branches, have their corresponding authorities conferred by the American Constitution to the Congress, the President, and the Federal courts, respectively (USAGOV, 2022). However, each branch can alter the actions of the remaining branches. For instance, according to Khan Academy (2020), the president has the authority to overrule (veto) laws enacted by Congress and to appoint federal agencies’ officials. Subsequently, the president’s nominees are confirmed or rejected by Congress, which can also impeach the president in exceptional situations. The Supreme Court Justices, who have the power to overrule unconstitutional legislation, are appointed by the president and approved by the Senate. The capacity of each branch to react to the decisions of other branches is termed “the system of checks and balances” (Khan Academy, 2020). The system prevents each branch from exceeding its authority and, thus, the federal government from getting too powerful.
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The Legislative Branch
According to USAGOV (2022) article, the legislative branch drafts proposed legislation, approves or dismisses presidential nominations for federal agencies’ officials, federal judges, and the Supreme Court, and holds power to declare war. The Congress, which consists of the House of Representatives and Senate, as well as unique entities and departments that offer supportive services to Congress, constitute the branch. Citizens in the United States can vote for Senators and Representatives via free and confidential ballots. Furthermore, Congress is divided into two parts. Each state has two of a total of 100 Senators in the Senate. A Senate term lasts six years, and they can be reelected to serve unlimited terms. The House of Representatives, on the other hand, is made up of 435 elected Representatives who are distributed amongst 50 states in proportion to the overall population. An elected Representative’s term lasts two years, with an unlimited quantity of terms.
The Executive Branch
According to USAGOV’s (2022) article, the executive branch carries out and enforces laws. The president, vice president, Cabinet, executive offices, autonomous institutions, and other committees, boards, and commissions are all part of the executive branch. Citizens in the United States can vote for the president and vice president using secure and free ballots. The president is the head of state and federal government and the Commander in Chief of the U.S. military. The president’s term lasts four years with a maximum of two terms. The vice president assists the president. When the president can no longer continue to serve, the vice president takes over. The vice president can be voted into office and serve an infinite number of four-year terms, despite the appointment of a new president. Finally, Cabinet members act as consultants to the president. The Cabinet includes the vice president, leaders of executive departments, and other top government officials. Cabinet members are appointed by the president and must be approved by a majority of the Senate (51 out of 100 Senators’ votes).
The Judicial Branch
According to USAGOV’s (2022) article, the judicial branch construes, reinforces, and determines whether legislation infringes the Constitution. The branch is comprised of the Supreme Court as well as other federal courts. The Supreme Court is the country’s highest court. The president appoints Supreme Court justices, who the Senate must confirm. The Supreme Court has nine members: a Chief Justice and eight Associate Justices. To rule on a case, a quorum of six Justices is required. There is no set term limit for Justices. They can serve until death, retirement, or impeachment in exceptional circumstances. The Constitution grants Congress the power to create other federal courts to manage federal laws such as taxation and bankruptcy, lawsuits involving the federal and state governments, or the Constitution, and other concerns. Lastly, other federal judicial agencies and programs assist the courts and conduct judicial policy research.
References
Khan Academy. (2020). Principles of American government. https://www.khanacademy.org/humanities/us-government-and-civics/us-gov-foundations/us-gov-principles-of-american-government/a/principles-of-american-government-article
USAGOV. (2022). Branches of the U.S. Government. usa.gov. https://www.usa.gov/branches-of-government