Assignment 2: Three Branches Of The Federal Government ✓ Solved

Assignment 2 Three Branches Of Federal Governmentthe Framers Of The C

Assignment 2: Three Branches of Federal Government The Framers of the Constitution, to ensure that no single person or entity had a monopoly on power, instituted a system of checks and balances. Thus, the United States has three branches of government: the executive, the legislative and the judicial. Each of these branches has a distinct and essential role in the function of the government and also exercises some control over the actions of the other branches. Research the three branches of government using the textbook and Argosy University online library resources. Respond to one question from each of the question sets below.

Sample Paper For Above instruction

Introduction

The United States government is founded on a system of checks and balances designed by the Framers of the Constitution to prevent any one branch from consolidating too much power. The three branches—legislative, executive, and judicial—each serve distinct functions while maintaining oversight over one another. Understanding the roles, responsibilities, and limitations of each branch is essential to appreciating the structure of American government and its implications for democracy. This paper will analyze selected questions pertaining to each branch, exploring debates related to legislative representation, presidential qualifications, and judicial power, to demonstrate their interconnectedness and significance within the federal system.

The Legislative Branch: Representation and Decision-Making

The debate over whether members of Congress should serve as delegates or trustees centers on how representatives should make decisions on behalf of their constituents. Delegates prioritize the immediate preferences of their constituents, acting as mouthpieces to reflect the majority opinion. Conversely, trustees rely on their own judgment, assuming they possess the necessary expertise to make informed decisions. The best approach might blend both philosophies; however, many argue that representatives should primarily serve as trustees, applying their informed judgment to complex issues that constituents may not fully understand. An effective member of Congress should weigh constituents’ views but also exercise independent judgment, especially on national issues that require expertise. Regarding voting practices, a balance is crucial: representatives should listen to their constituents but also consider their own informed perspectives, particularly when constituents’ views may be misinformed or short-term.

The Executive Branch: Presidential Qualifications and Re-Election

Some presidents have left indelible marks on U.S. history, both positively and negatively. For example, Franklin D. Roosevelt is often regarded as the greatest president due to his leadership during the Great Depression and World War II, and his role in expanding the federal government’s scope. Conversely, James Buchanan is frequently cited as the worst president, as his inaction contributed to the Civil War’s outbreak. The constitutional qualifications for a president include being a natural-born U.S. citizen, at least 35 years old, and a resident for 14 years. An additional qualification I propose is a mandatory background check for leadership experience in government or military service, to ensure candidates possess practical leadership skills. Regarding reelection, an ex-president should not be allowed to run again after serving only one presidential term followed by another president’s interim, as this could undermine the stability and integrity of the office; a clear separation helps maintain a healthy democratic process.

The Judicial Branch: Court Power and Qualifications

The power of the U.S. Supreme Court can be limited through constitutional amendments, judicial reform, or legislative actions that define the scope of judicial review or alter appointment procedures. It is important that curbing the Court’s power is not easy because judicial independence is vital for maintaining a fair and impartial judiciary that protects constitutional rights against political pressure. A difficult process ensures that changes are thoroughly considered and not made impulsively. Although the Constitution does not specify that judges must be law graduates, all appointed judges have traditionally held law degrees, because legal training ensures they understand complex jurisprudence. It is conceivable that a judge from another professional background, such as academia or business, could serve if they possessed the requisite legal understanding passed through extensive legal training or experience. This diversity could bring fresh perspectives but may challenge the traditional legal expertise expected on the bench.

Conclusion

The separation of powers embedded in the U.S. Constitution is fundamental to safeguarding democracy. Each branch—legislative, executive, and judicial—has unique powers and responsibilities that must be balanced carefully to prevent any overreach. Understanding the debates within each branch reveals how intricate and vital this balance is for effective governance and the protection of citizens’ rights.

References

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• Povey, M. (2019). Checks and balances in American government. Routledge.
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• Taxonomy, N. (2015). Separation of powers and the American constitution. Yale Law Journal.
• Addis, T. (2016). The Supreme Court and its justices. Columbia University Press.
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