Principles and Articles of the United States Constitution Worksheet

Principles and Articles of the United States Constitution Worksheet Self-Government: Self-governance can be defined as a system in which people in a given country are free to control their affairs (Mason & Stephenson, 2015). There is no obstacle or external control or external power of the state (Mason & Stephenson, 2015). This concept can be linked back to 1619 when all the states started to seek the approval of the laws that they established (Fisher, 2014). Separation of Powers: The agenda of the division of powers involves as much independence as possible throughout the arms of government from the legislature, the executive, and the judiciary. (Mason & Stephenson, 2015) Notes that the concentration of power of one person may pose a serious threat to liberty. The American government has used this principle to ensure that the powers conferred on the president and the legislature are not directly linked. Checks and Balances: In 1937, the government presidential system, Congress and the president battled to manage the national government (Mason & Stephenson, 2015). The monitoring and balancing system, however, ensures that the legislature and the executive fulfill their responsibilities below the constitutional provisions (Mason & Stephenson, 2015). Therefore, the judiciary serves as the referees, and it regulates both the political and personal motives of the other two arms. The Congress also inspects the president, and by veto power the president also inspects Congress (Mason & Stephenson, 2015). Part II: Balance of Power In the space below, write an analysis of approximately 250 words on how the system of checks and balances in the federal government helps to limit the concentration of power. A closer connection between national and state governments was seen in the cooperative federalism that took power after 1937. The current new federalism has seen a number of war tags while the Supreme Court continues to act as an arbitrator in various cases (Fisher, 2014). Through refusing to implement laws they feel are of a president's personal interest, Congress facilitates the philosophy of checks and balances. Congress is also able to pass bills vetoed by the president (Fisher, 2014). The Senate may, for instance, use its impeachment power to oust a sitting president. The Congress also tracks the powers of the judiciary by modifying the jurisdictions of the lower court, ejecting a judge or refusing to approve an individual appointed as a judge (Fisher, 2014). The president, on the other hand, might veto a law passed by Congress and could even appoint judges (Fisher, 2014). The court system could proclaim a law passed by Congress unconstitutional or declare the president's behavior unconstitutional (Fisher, 2014). A great example is when President Obama decided to impose on the clean air act a very onesided approach. “Congress and the court ruled against his decision because they felt it would be very difficult to regulate all greenhouse emissions by means of EPA permits” (Davies & Mazurek, 2014). The court and congress checks might not have been inside the timeframe of the President, however they delivered a different method for American citizens that they deemed appropriate (Davies & Mazurek, 2014). Part III: The Three Branches of the Federal Government 1. What are the duties and responsibilities of each branch of the federal government? Legislative: The legislative body deals with law introduction and the distribution of the required finances to government operations. The legislative processes are the responsibility of the House of Commons and the Senate. The definition of "legislative" states that this branch of government is accountable for matters of national importance other than law making (Fisher, 2014). For example, going to war with another country or expanding some share of expenditure on public goods. It also exists to serve as the country's finance custodian. The legislature must vote in favor of any money that the executive raises and spends through a budgetary process (Fisher, 2014). Certain functions also include role of oversight and constitutional modification of the executive. Congress has the power to uphold or impeach executive appointments including that of the president (Fisher, 2014). The constitution gives the legislature the authority to investigate senior government officials (Fisher, 2014). Finally, Congress is empowered to ratify treaties by a two-thirds supermajority (Fisher, 2014). Judicial: The president appoints the representatives of this governmental body. The judiciary includes the federal court courts as well as the Supreme Court. Congress has the power to appoint federal court jurisdiction (Fisher, 2014). The Supreme Court may overturn the rulings of the federal court as it is the highest court of the country. First, it is mandated by the Supreme Court to uphold and defend the United States Constitution. This is done by attempting to interpret the laws because of the conflicts before it (Fisher, 2014). The courts are also implicitly involved in the legislative process, while the constitution is also interpreted (Fisher, 2014) These laws stem from the jurisprudence used by judges to decide (Fisher, 2014). Such a branch of government may also provide an advisory function, although not explicitly provided for by the constitution. Finally, the judiciary acts as the guardian of fundamental rights (Fisher, 2014). Executive: The President has always been given the responsibility with executive branch's power, having worked intensively with the vice president as well as other members of the cabinet. According to the United States Constitution, the president has the authority to veto or reject a proposal which is expected to become law. (Morone & Kersh, 2013). He nominates individuals from various federal and government agencies. Negotiate treaties and grant forgiveness for crimes (Morone & Kersh, 2013). However, it is the responsibility of the entire executive to administer and implement policies adopted by the legislature. Federal agencies perform the administrative functions (Morone & Kersh, 2013). If they cannot be performed by the president, the vice president should be willing to assume the president's duties. At the other hand, while performing a critical role in the succession of the president, the cabinet acts as the advisory agency (Morone & Kersh, 2013). Finally, the Executive Office guarantees the implementation of the policies adopted by Congress throughout the country through its state agencies (Morone & Kersh, 2013). 2. Describe how these three branches are supposed to interact. These three branches should work hand in hand to enhance democracy. Although each division has its designated powers, it should not frustrate the other branch's efforts (Morone & Kersh, 2013). For example, the president should keep personal issues aside while appointing judges and choose the most appropriate person. The legislature, on the other hand, must also approve or disapprove of the appointee in technical matters and not in political matters or matters other than constitutional matters (Morone & Kersh, 2013). 3. How effectively do you feel the three branches interact with each other today? The three arms seem to interact properly at the moment. However, many cases reveal a system delay (Mason & Stephenson, 2015). For instance, when President Obama declared "increased involvement in Iraq and Syria," he did not seek Congress ' approval. (Mason & Stephenson, 2015). Despite Congress, this was the only body with the power to declare war. Another example of conflicts of interest is the health care bill, which has been interrupted genuinely and purposefully (Mason & Stephenson, 2015).