Overview of Government Branch Interactions

Unit 2: Interactions Among Branches of Government

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Part One: Legislative

House of Representatives

• Vacancy: Filled by the governor through appointment.
• Speaker of the House: Elected by the House, manages legislative agenda, assigns committee chairs.
• Quorum: Minimum number of members needed to conduct votes.
• Expulsion: Requires a 2/3 vote.
• Representation: Based on population, totaling 435 members.
• Districts: Representatives serve specific districts.
• Terms: Entire House reelected every two years.
• Requirements:
  • At least 25 years old
  • US citizen for 7 years
  • Resident of the state represented
• Leadership:
  • Majority party elects the Speaker.
  • Floor Leaders: Majority and Minority Leaders.
  • Whips: Ensure party members vote on issues.
• Impeachment: Initiated by the House.
• Tax Legislation: Must originate in the House.

Senate

• Representation: 2 Senators per state, representing the entire state.
• Terms: No term limits; 1/3 reelected every two years.
• Requirements:
  • At least 30 years old
  • US citizen for 10 years
  • Resident of the state represented
• Leadership:
  • Vice President: President of the Senate, breaks ties.
  • President Pro Tempore: Acts in VP's absence.
  • Majority Leader: Most influential speaker.
• Powers:
  • Lawmaking and declaring war.
  • Treaty approval requires a 2/3 majority.
  • Confirms presidential appointments.
• 17th Amendment: Senators elected by the populace.

Special Roles and Rules

• House: Focuses on budget, tax policies, and Rules Committee.
• Senate:
  • Filibuster: Allows minority to block bills by prolonging debate.
  • Cloture: Ends debate with a 60-vote requirement.
  • Treaty Ratification: Needs a 2/3 majority.
  • Presidential Appointments: Confirmed by a simple majority.

Impact on Policy Making

• Structure and Committees: Essential in the legislative process and oversight.
• Leadership Influence: Speaker, Majority Leader, and VP are crucial.
• Logrolling and Pork Barrel: Political deal-making and vote trading.
• Economic Policy:
  • Federal Budget: Governs government expenditure.
  • Discretionary Spending: Annually decided by Congress.
  • Mandatory Spending: Includes programs like Medicare, Social Security.
  • Taxes: Include income, corporate, import duties.

Influences on Congressional Behavior

• Party Loyalty, Voter Influence, Personal Beliefs, Reelection Concerns
• Political Ideology: Can result in gridlock or compromise.

Part Two: Executive

Qualifications for Presidency

• Must be a natural-born citizen.
• At least 35 years old.
• Resident in the US for 14 years.
• Emoluments Clause: Prohibits receiving gifts from foreign governments.

Formal Powers of the President

• Executive Powers: Implement laws.
• Legislative Powers: Veto and sign laws.
• Foreign Policy: Chief diplomat, negotiates treaties.
• Military Role: Commander in Chief.
• Appointments: Makes judicial, diplomatic, and agency appointments.
• Pardon Power: Can pardon federal offenses.
• Executive Privilege: Keeps certain communications confidential.

Presidential Terms

• 22nd Amendment: Limits to two terms.
• Lame Duck Period: Reduced influence and authority.

Influence and Public Perception

• Bully Pulpit: Influence through public persuasion.
• VP Roles: Breaks Senate ties, supports President's agenda.

Part Three: Judicial

Structure and Function

• Supreme Court: Highest court, with nine justices serving life terms.
• Federal Court System: Includes district courts, courts of appeals, and the Supreme Court.
• Judicial Review: Courts' power to review laws/actions for constitutionality (established in Marbury v. Madison).

Key Roles

• Interpreting the Constitution: Supreme Court ensures consistent application.
• Resolving Disputes: Court system resolves legal issues among individuals, corporations, and the government.
• Setting Precedents: Supreme Court decisions guide lower courts.

Judicial Appointments

• Presidential Nomination: President nominates federal judges and justices.
• Senate Confirmation: Requires a majority vote.
• Life Tenure: Ensures independence from political pressure.

Influences on Judicial Decisions

• Text of the Constitution: Judges analyze the text when interpreting.
• Precedents: Consider previous rulings to guide decisions.
• Original Intent: Some judges focus on the framers' intent.
• Personal Beliefs: Judges' beliefs can influence their interpretations.

Impact on Policy Making

• Checks and Balances: Judiciary checks other branches by striking down unconstitutional actions.
• Shaping Public Policy: Court rulings impact issues like civil rights, economic regulation, and environmental protection.