System of American Government
Federal Government of the US
We know that the U.S. Constitution sets up, structures and defines the government, but how does it do that? It does this by a system of dividing the government into three branches and establishing a checks and balances system. The federal government is made up of three distinct and separate branches:
- The Legislative Branch
- The Judicial Branch
- The Executive Branch
Each of the branches has a specific function, and in order to prevent one branch from becoming too powerful, there is a system of “Checks and Balances” in place. This system ensures that no one branch has total control over the other and that each can oversee the other.
The Legislative Branch
The Legislative Branch is made up of:
- The Senate, with 100 members (2 per each state). They represent the people of their state and are elected for a period of 6 years (with no limit to the number of terms served)
- The House of Representatives. There are currently 435 House members (their number per state varies and is dependent on the population of each state) and are elected for a period of two years, also with no limit on the terms served. The current Speaker of the House of Representatives is Nancy Pelosi.
What do they do?
Functions of the Legislative Branch
The main function of the Legislative Branch is to make laws. As a part of the system of Checks and Balances, Congress also has some control over both the Executive and Judicial Branches.
As an example of this, Congress must approve Executive appointments and can override a Presidential veto (the Executive Branch) likewise it must confirm judicial nominees and can initiate Constitutional Amendments (Judicial Branch).
The Judicial Branch
The Judicial Branch is made up of the Federal Courts with the Supreme Court being the highest court in the United States. There are nine justices on the Supreme Court. The current Chief Justice is John G. Roberts, Jr. Justices on the Supreme Court are nominated by the President and confirmed by the Senate.
What do they do?
Functions of the Judicial Branch
The main function of the Judicial Branch is to interpret, review and explain the laws. It is their duty to ensure that laws are consistent with the Constitution. As a part of the system of Checks and Balances, the Judicial Branch also has some control over both the Executive and Legislative Branches.
As an example of this, the Judicial Branch can declare a Presidential action unconstitutional (Executive Branch) as well as declare acts of Congress as unconstitutional (Legislative Branch).
The Executive Branch
The Executive Branch is made up of the President, Vice President and his Cabinet. The current President of the United States is Joe Biden and the Vice President is Kamilla Harris.
The American people vote for the President every four years in November (the people vote for “electors” who officially vote for the President). His term is limited to two full terms.
The Cabinet
Including the Vice President, there are 15 members of the Cabinet appointed by the President, whose job it is to advise the President. The 15 Cabinet-level positions are:
- Secretary of Agriculture
- Secretary of Commerce
- Secretary of Defense
- Secretary of Education
- Secretary of Energy
- Secretary of Health & Human Services
- Secretary of Homeland Security
- Secretary of Housing & Urban Development
- Secretary of the Interior
- Secretary of Labor
- Secretary of State
- Secretary of Transportation
- Secretary of the Treasury
- Secretary of Veterans' Affairs
- Attorney General
Functions of the Executive Branch
The main function of the Executive Branch is to enforce federal laws. The President is in charge of the Executive Branch.
As a part of the system of Checks and Balances, the Executive Branch also has some control over both the Judicial and Legislative Branches.
As an example of this, the President can appoint federal judges or grant reprieves (Judicial Branch) or he or call Congress into special session (Legislative Branch).
What other functions does the President have?
The President of the United States
The President is in charge of the Executive Branch and as such, has the power to sign bills to become law but also the power to veto bills. The President is the Commander-in-Chief of the U.S. armed forces.
If the President cannot serve for any reason, the Vice President will take charge of the Executive Branch. If both the President and Vice President cannot serve for any reason, the Speaker of the House will take charge of the Executive Branch.
The United States has two major political parties: the Republican Party and the Democratic Party. Our current President, Joe Biden, is a Democrat.
Besides the Federal Government, there are also state, county and local governments that have powers and functions that citizens vote for.
The Levels of Government
There are four levels of government in the United States that U.S. citizens vote on; each of these levels has their own powers:
The Federal Government: Located in the U.S. capital, Washington D.C. The powers at the federal level include printing money, declaring war, and creating an army. The citizens vote for President/Vice President and Congress.
The State Government: Located in the capitals of each of the 50 states. State level powers include providing education, protection (police), safety (fire department), and giving a driver’s license. The citizens vote for Governor, state legislators, executive and judicial officers.
The County Government: Located in the county seat in each county within the state. The citizens vote for county officials.
The Local Government: Located in each city, municipality, or township within the state. The citizens vote for the Head Executive/Mayor and local officials.
