How the Branches Work Together - Essay Example

How the Branches Work Together The US Constitution segments the federal government into three distinct branches. This ensures that no group or individual gains much control of the central government. The three branches include the executive, the legislative and the judicial. This kind of division ensures separation of power among these three branches. Each branch has its duties; however, it is vital to note that the branches usually work in conjunction with one another. Working in conjunction ensures smooth running of the country as well as putting into consideration of the rights of every citizen. Thus, these distinct branches of the US government work in conjunction with each other through checks and balance. Legislative Branch The legislative branch constitutes the Congress, whose duty is to make laws that govern varied systems in the country. In addition, the Congress functions to administer the implementation of these laws as well as checking a number of judicial and executive powers (Gershman 53). The Congress comprises of two houses, which are the House of the Senate and the House of the Representative. Presently the House of Representative has 435 members. Every state has a representative, and one state can have more than one representation if its population is big (Gershman 72). Thus, allocation of the representative depends on the population of the state. It is a guarantee that every state must have at least one representative. The members of the house directly elect the speaker, whose duty is to preside over the house. The Senate constitutes the upper House within the legislative branch of the US government (Gershman 112). It is essential to point that individual state elect two senators irrespective of its population size. It is also imperative to illustrate that the houses have two-year term whereas the senators’ term is six years once elected. Additionally, during an even year, a third of the Senate stands for the election. The House and the Senate have the mandate of approving the legislation prior to becoming a law (Gershman 43). The two houses have the same legislative powers; however, bills that relate to taxations or the revenue bills may only come from the house. In addition, the Senate possesses the power that relate to the appointment and threats of the judicial and executive officials. Executive Branch The president, who heads the state, and his or her deputy, as well as other officials, constitute the executive branch. The key responsibility of the executive branch pertains the laws formulated by the Congress (Dirck 89). The residents of the United States elect the President and his or her vice. Eighteen years and above is a requirement age for one to participate in choosing individuals for these two posts. The president heads this branch of the federal government. In addition, the president has the duty of approving and carrying out laws that the legislative branch passes (Dirck 31). Additionally, he or she has the mandate of appointing and removing the cabinet officials and members. He also serves as the commander in chief of the armed forces as well as the head of the state. As aforementioned, other officials that form part of the executive branch includes the cabinet members. The government has fifteen departments with each having its head. These fifteen heads of these departments constitute the cabinet (Dirck 105). The cabinet functions by providing the President with the advice regarding important matters. Since this branch is large, the vice president also serves help the president in making key decisions. The president also has the duty of appointing a number of secretaries, who head the executive departments. Additionally, the president implements laws that the Congress, which is part of the legislative branch, makes. It is necessary to point that the executive branch covers a wide topic of laws. For instance, this includes the department of justice and the department of agriculture. The secretaries in the case of the attorney general and the department of justice function as the chief officers of their departments as well as the advisors to the president (Dirck 78). Thus, these group of advisors constitute the cabinet of the president. The president nominates important federal officials and these secretaries. The Senate then functions to advise them. Judicial Branch The Judicial branch comprises of the lower courts and the Supreme Court. This branch functions through the court cases to administer the court systems in the US. Once the Congress or the legislative branch passes the laws, it is the responsibility of the judicial branch to explain the meaning of such laws (Zelden 165). The branch also has the duty of interpreting the Constitution. The head of the judicial branch is the Supreme Court. The Supreme Court does not operate as a criminal court; its mandate is to rule whether a given issue is unconstitutional or constitutional. It also rules whether the constitution permits a given issue or not. The Supreme Court involves nine judges or justices. One is the chief justice, and the rest are associate justice (Zelden 123). It is the duty of the president, who is in the executive branch, to nominate the judges. Once the president nominates these judges, the Senate, which is in the legislative branch, then approves them. These judges do not have a particular term limit. It is noteworthy that the highest court in the country is the Supreme Court. Thus, the decisions that the Supreme Court makes is final. Therefore, once the Supreme Court makes such decisions, no other court can overrule them (Zelden 21). It is the commitment of the judiciary to interpret the US laws. While in the process of making such interpretation, it is possible that the court may find some laws, which violates the constitution. In event that the court finds that a particular law violates the constitution, the court will move and make a declaration that such law is unconstitutional (Zelden 181). Therefore, the judiciary serves to determine the constitutionality of every law in the country. In addition, there is a special judge, who serves in the judicial branch. His or her duty is to interpret the laws according to the US constitution. This particular justice only handles cases relating to issues that concern the constitution. Theoretically one can say that individual branch is equal in power with each other. Thus, each checks the powers of the other through a system, which is referred to as checks and balances. Through this way, each branch functions in conjunction of one another. Therefore, it is impossible of one branch to wield much influence and power. This kind of system, which checks and balances the responsibilities of the three branches ensures that the process of making the laws is never done in a hurry. It thus, prevents one branch from solely carrying out the law making process. For instance, the executive branch may reject the bills once the legislative branch makes them. Likewise, the legislative branch may override the rejection if the executive branch vetoes the bills. Thus, this demonstrates that any battle of a disagreement is an excellent illustration of how all these three branches of the government function in conjunction with each other in the US government. It is vital to point that these three branches have some similarities, as well as differences. They all share a responsibility, which involves the law making process. On the other hand, making of the US law is a duty of the legislative branch. The executive branch then enforces these laws once the legislative branch makes them. Finally, it is the duty of the judicial branch to interpret these laws, as well as other amendments to the constitution. Works Cited Dirck, Brian R. The Executive Branch of Federal Government: People, Process, and Politics. Santa Barbara, Calif: ABC-CLIO, 2007. Print. Gershman, Gary P. The Legislative Branch of Federal Government: People, Process, and Politics. Santa Barbara, Calif: ABC-CLIO, 2008. Print. Zelden, Charles L. The Judicial Branch of Federal Government: People, Process, and Politics. Santa Barbara, Calif: ABC-CLIO, 2007. Print. Read More