Ashford 3 Week 2 Discussion: Prepare Prior To Beginning Work

Ashford 3 Week 2 Discussionprepareprior To Beginning Work On Thi

Prepare for the discussion by reading Chapters 5 and 6 in American Government, reviewing Week Three Instructor Guidance, and reading the articles: What Are the Arguments Made in Favor – and Against – the Electoral College?, GOP Leaders United in Defense of the Electoral College, and Why the Electoral College is Bad for America. Additionally, for your Week Three journal reflection, read Chapters 5, 6, and 7 in American Government and review the Week Three Instructor Guidance. Consider the relationship between the executive and judicial branches, noting how they often operate independently with little conflict but sometimes are engaged in judicial review, which can impact legal and daily life decisions. Review your previous assignments and instructor feedback, and utilize the POL201 Final Paper Guide to assist in understanding the roles of the three branches of government in the U.S. national government system.

Paper For Above instruction

The United States government is structured around three fundamental branches: the legislative, executive, and judicial. Each branch plays a significant role in maintaining the system of checks and balances designed to ensure no single branch becomes too powerful. Understanding their functions, interactions, and the circumstances under which they intervene in one another’s affairs is essential for comprehending how U.S. democracy operates.

Introduction

The separation of powers in the U.S. federal government is a cornerstone of American constitutional design. This framework delineates the distinct, yet interconnected, responsibilities of each branch. While these branches often operate independently, the principle of judicial review exemplifies how the judicial branch can assert authority over legislative and executive actions. This paper explores the roles of each branch, their interactions, especially regarding judicial review, and examines how these dynamics influence American governance and citizens’ lives.

The Legislative Branch

The legislative branch, primarily composed of Congress—House of Representatives and Senate—serves as the lawmaking body of the federal government. Its powers include drafting legislation, appropriating funds, declaring war, and oversight of the executive branch. Congress checks the executive by passing laws that shape policy and can also influence the judiciary through the appointment process of federal judges, including Supreme Court justices. Furthermore, Congress’s impeachment authority acts as a significant check on the President.

The Executive Branch

The executive branch, headed by the President, is responsible for implementing and enforcing federal laws. The President has executive powers, including vetoing legislation, issuing executive orders, and conducting foreign policy. The President's decisions can be challenged by the judicial branch through judicial review, especially when executive actions are contested as unconstitutional. The President’s appointment of federal judges also influences how laws are interpreted and upheld.

The Judicial Branch

The judicial branch interprets laws and assesses their constitutionality. Courts, especially the Supreme Court, exercise judicial review—a principle established in Marbury v. Madison—which allows them to invalidate laws and executive actions that violate the Constitution. Judicial review acts as a powerful check on both legislative and executive branches, ensuring that their actions align with constitutional principles. This process has a direct impact on citizens’ lives, influencing issues ranging from civil rights to economic policies.

Interactions and Judicial Review

The interaction between the branches is most exemplified through judicial review. When the judicial branch reviews laws or executive actions, it can uphold, modify, or invalidate them. For instance, landmark Supreme Court rulings such as Brown v. Board of Education or Roe v. Wade significantly shaped American society and exemplify the power of judicial review. This process underscores the courts' role as guardians of the Constitution, often repositioning the balance of power in times of political or social upheaval.

Impact on Citizens’ Lives

Judicial review directly affects various aspects of everyday life. Decisions on civil liberties, voting rights, healthcare, and more are often determined by Supreme Court rulings. An example includes the Affordable Care Act’s battles in court, which had significant consequences for millions of Americans’ access to healthcare. The independence of each branch, while essential for checks and balances, also means shifts in judicial interpretations can lead to societal and legal changes affecting millions of lives.

Conclusion

The three branches of government serve vital, interconnected functions within the American political system. While they operate independently, mechanisms like judicial review ensure that they remain accountable to the Constitution. The ongoing interaction among these branches reflects a dynamic system aimed at safeguarding liberties and maintaining balance of power. As citizens, understanding these roles and interactions helps us comprehend how governmental decisions influence legal rights, policy development, and day-to-day life in the United States.

References

• Brown v. Board of Education, 347 U.S. 483 (1954).
• Marbury v. Madison, 5 U.S. (1 Cranch) 137 (1803).
• Ostrom, E. (2015). Understanding Institutional Diversity. Princeton University Press.
• Schmidt, M. G. (2013). Disjointed Pluralism: Party, Power, and the Politics of Inequality. Oxford University Press.
• Rosenberg, G. N. (2018). The Hollow Hope: Can Courts Bring About Social Change? University of Chicago Press.
• Stone, B. (2019). The Supreme Court and the Politics of Rights (4th ed.). Routledge.
• U.S. Constitution, Article II, Article III, Article I.
• Levinson, S. (2012). Our Undemocratic Constitution: Where the Constitution Goes Wrong (and How We the People Can Correct It). Oxford University Press.
• Tushnet, M. (2013). The Constitution of the United States. Oxford University Press.
• Fisher, L. (2010). Constitutional Democracy: Creating and Maintaining a Just Political Order. Cambridge University Press.