The Structure of Power in the United States Government

Introduction

• Main Question: Who has the authority to make laws and punish lawbreakers?
• Common Misconception: Typically, people think of the President when considering power, but he is only part of the power system.

Historical Context

• Post-American Revolution: The United States was in a state of change.
• Founding Fathers' Intentions:
  • Avoid a system similar to monarchy.
  • Ensure a strong yet fair national government.
  • Protect individual freedoms.
  • Prevent abuse of power.
• Adoption of New Constitution (1787):
  • Creation of three separate branches of government.
  • System of checks and balances.
  • Ensures no single branch becomes too powerful.

Branches of the United States Government

Legislative Branch

• Constitutional Basis: Article 1 of the U.S. Constitution.
• Importance: Considered the most important by some due to its placement in the Constitution.
• Composition:
  • 100 U.S. Senators.
  • 435 U.S. House of Representatives members.
• Primary Functions:
  • Making laws.
  • Approving federal judges and justices.
  • Passing the national budget.
  • Declaring war.
• Representation:
  • Each state has two Senators.
  • Number of Representatives based on state population.

Executive Branch

• Constitutional Basis: Article 2 of the U.S. Constitution.
• Leadership:
  • President.
  • Vice President.
  • Supported by the Cabinet (advisors in specific areas like defense, treasury, homeland security).
• Responsibilities:
  • Enforcing laws set by Congress.
  • Appointing government officials.
  • Commanding the armed forces.
  • Meeting with leaders of other nations.
• Scale: Employs over 4 million people.

Judicial Branch

• Constitutional Basis: Article 3 of the U.S. Constitution.
• Composition:
  • All courts in the country from federal district courts to the U.S. Supreme Court.
• Functions:
  • Interpreting laws.
  • Punishing lawbreakers.
  • Settling disputes among states.
  • Hearing appeals from state and federal courts.
  • Determining constitutionality of federal laws.
• Supreme Court:
  • Highest court with nine justices.
  • Justices have lifetime appointments.

Civic Duty and Participation

• Importance of Informed Citizenry: Democracy relies on this.
• Citizen Responsibilities:
  • Voting.
  • Participating in jury duty.
  • Testifying in court.
  • Petitioning Congress.
• Benefits of Understanding Government Structure:
  • Enhances involvement and decision making.
  • Encourages intelligent participation in governance.