The Three Branches of Government
After the Revolutionary War, the Founding Fathers of the newly instated United States of America wanted to create a government unlike all the other European governments. There would be no monarchy; no one ruler. They would create the Democratic-Republic that most countries to this day strive for. They created the three branches of the government to divide the power within the federal government. They did this, so the America would never again be ruled again by a tyrant like King George III. They made sure it was three branches to make sure the branches would have checks and balance, so no group had most of the power. These branches were called the Executive, Legislative, and Judicial branch. The Executive Branch is led by the President, who is elected by the people. The Legislative branch is lead by Congress. Congress contains both the House of Representatives and the Senate. Finally, The Judicial branch is lead by the Supreme Court. Each of these branches have their own specific roles within the federal government. These roles would include checking each other to keep the balance within the United States.
Once the President is elected and becomes the head of the Executive Branch his job is to execute the laws of the land. He can recommend new laws, direct our national defense, direct our military, and can veto laws. He is the most powerful man among the free world. The executive branch also performs the ceremonial such as the inauguration and the state of the union. The executive branch may direct federal law, but he does not create the laws.
Congress, the Legislative Branch, creates the laws. All bills are created in the House of Representatives and must have two-thirds majority vote for it to pass and move on into the senate. The Senate then reviews the bill and must approve it. Once approved, the bill will then go to the executive branch where the President will either veto or sign it. Not only des the Legislative branch create laws, they can also impeach officials within the branch or the president himself if found corrupt. They also approve war treaties. Even though Congress creates laws, some of their laws that are made can be considered unconstitutional, thus removed.
The Judicial Branch is running by the Supreme Court. The Supreme Court’s power is to interpret America’s constitution. They also review laws to this day and can overturn them if found unconstitutional or if it violates someone’s rights. They also have their own cases called Supreme Court cases. Rulings on these cases help enforce constitutional law. There are only nine Supreme Court Justices specifically so that there will be no tie or ‘Hung Jury’.
None of these three branches have more power than one another. T founders made sure of this so that these branches can keep checking and balancing each other. For example, “The president may veto a law passed by congress.” However, Congress can veto the president’s veto if they get a two-thirds majority. Meanwhile the Supreme Court can declare that congress’ laws are unconstitutional and can end them. The president, however, can appoint his own Supreme Court Justices. Those appointments must be approved by the congress for them to be accepted.
The last reason why the founders wanted to have checks and balances in place is not just so that the Branches can check each other. They put them in place so that the citizens of the newly formed United States of America will never deal with another King George III ever again.
