Assignment 2: Three Branches Of The Federal Governmen 581152

Assignment 2: Three Branches of Federal Government The Framers of the C

Assignment 2: Three Branches of Federal Government The Framers of the C

The assignment explores the three branches of the United States government—executive, legislative, and judicial—established by the Constitution with a system of checks and balances to prevent any one branch from gaining too much power. Students are asked to research these branches using their textbook and online library resources and respond to critical questions about each branch. For the legislative branch, the focus is on whether members of Congress should act as delegates or trustees for their constituents, and whether they should vote based on their personal views or those of the voters. Regarding the executive branch, students are to identify the greatest and worst U.S. presidents in history, discuss qualifications for presidential candidates, suggest additional necessary qualifications, and consider whether former presidents should be eligible to run again after another president’s intermediate term. For the judicial branch, questions involve how to limit the Supreme Court’s power, the importance of making such limitations challenging, reasons why judges are typically law-trained, and the possibility of judges coming from non-legal fields. Responses should be 150–200 words per question, with an emphasis on thoughtful analysis and critical thinking.

Paper For Above instruction

The three branches of the U.S. government—legislative, executive, and judicial—serve distinct yet interconnected roles designed to uphold the Constitution and ensure balanced governance. Each branch exercises checks over the others, creating a system that promotes accountability and prevents the concentration of power. Analyzing each branch sheds light on the foundational principles that guide American politics and governance.

Legislative Branch: Delegate or Trustee?

Members of Congress face the critical decision of whether to act as delegates—representatives who vote according to their constituents’ wishes—or trustees—those who use their judgment to make decisions they believe are in the best interest of the nation. In the contemporary political landscape, a hybrid approach is often considered optimal; however, leaning toward a trustee model may serve the broader interests of democracy. While representatives should heed the voices of their constituents, complex issues and long-term implications sometimes necessitate independent judgment beyond immediate voter preferences. For instance, constituents may not always be fully informed on complex policy matters, and representatives' expertise can guide more informed decisions. Nonetheless, it is essential that representatives remain accountable and transparent about their decision-making processes, balancing constituent interests with national welfare. Ultimately, a trustee approach, tempered by responsiveness, can foster wise governance while maintaining democratic accountability.

Executive Branch: Presidential Qualifications and Re-electability

The most revered U.S. presidents often exemplify leadership qualities such as decisiveness, moral integrity, and the ability to unite the nation during crises. For example, Abraham Lincoln’s leadership during the Civil War and Franklin D. Roosevelt’s response to the Great Depression highlight qualities of resilience and strategic vision. Conversely, some presidents have demonstrated poor judgment or failed leadership, such as James Buchanan’s perceived inability to prevent the Civil War’s outbreak. The Constitutional requirements to become president—being a natural-born citizen, at least 35 years old, and a resident for 14 years—serve as essential safeguards ensuring candidates have national loyalty and maturity. An additional qualification could be substantial experience in public service or military leadership, which might better prepare candidates for the presidency. Regarding reelection rules, once a president has served two terms, a constitutional ban prevents immediate re-election. Allowing former presidents to run again after an intermediate term might provide experienced leadership; however, concerns about political stagnation and undermining democratic processes suggest that such a move could disrupt political stability.

Judicial Branch: Constraints on the Supreme Court’s Power

The power of the U.S. Supreme Court can be limited through constitutional amendments, legislation, or restructuring the judiciary. Congressional oversight and the power of the Congress to define jurisdiction serve as checks on the Court’s authority. Ensuring that curbing the Court’s power is not overly easy is vital to preserving judicial independence; it prevents politicization and maintains the judiciary as a neutral arbiter. The Constitution does not specify that judges must have law degrees, yet almost all appointed judges are law school graduates, highlighting a cultural consensus about the importance of legal training in ensuring competent judicial decision-making. Nonetheless, judges from other fields, such as political science, philosophy, or economics, could serve well if they possess the requisite analytical and interpretive skills. While legal training is highly advantageous, diversity in professional backgrounds might enrich judicial perspectives, provided the individuals demonstrate the expertise and integrity necessary to interpret the law impartially.

References

• Baum, L. (2017). The Puzzle of Judicial Politics. Routledge.
• Fisher, F. (2012). Theories of Criminal Justice. Oxford University Press.
• Mahon, P. (2019). The Federal Judiciary. Cengage Learning.
• Levinson, S. (2010). Our Undemocratic Constitution. Oxford University Press.
• Chemerinsky, L. (2010). The Conservative Assault on the Constitution. Harvard University Press.
• O'Brien, D. M., & Szabo, S. M. (2020). Constitutional Law and Politics. CQ Press.
• Whittington, K. E. (2012). Political Foundations of Judicial Power. University of Chicago Press.
• Zimmerman, J. (2002). Controversies in Constitutional Law. Oxford University Press.
• Epstein, L., & Walker, T. G. (2019). The Supreme Court and the Constitution. CQ Press.
• Sunstein, C. R. (2018). The Cost-Benefit Revolution. MIT Press.