Government Departmental Center College Research And Writing

Government Departmentel Centro Collegeresearch And Writing Assignmentt

This assignment may address the following SLOs (Student Learning Outcomes) for 2305: Upon Completion of this Course, students will be able to: · SLO 2 – Demonstrate knowledge of the federal system. · SLO 3 – Describe the separation of powers and checks and balances in both theory and practice. · SLO 4 - Demonstrate knowledge of the legislative, executive, and judicial branches of the federal government. · SLO 5 - Evaluate the role of public opinion, interest groups, and political parties in the political system. · SLO 6 - Analyze the election process. · SLO 7 – Describe the rights and responsibilities of United States citizens. · SLO 8 – Analyze issues and policies in United States politics.

The Assignment: · Pick a current position in the United States Government and write a paper on that government position (i.e., President, First Lady, Vice President, President’s Chief of Staff, Secretary of State, cabinet head, Head of FBI, Supreme Court Justice, United States Attorney General, any U.S. Senator, or any member of the House of Representatives). · Describe the position, explain what this person does, the sources of this person’s power (e.g., Constitution, laws, bills), who shares power or who checks this position, and to whom this person reports. · Explain how the role is filled (e.g., elected or appointed and the process). · Identify the current person in this position, provide background information, and major goals or initiatives. · Discuss the political party affiliation of this person and how party affiliation influences their duties, decisions, and accountability. · Describe major issues currently confronting this person. · Offer your opinion of this individual and justify your perspective. · Based on your research, explain the historical impact of this position on the U.S. government or society.

Paper For Above instruction

For this assignment, I have chosen to explore the role of the United States Attorney General, a key position within the federal government responsible for overseeing the Department of Justice and serving as the chief legal advisor to the President. The Attorney General holds a significant role, shaping legal policy and ensuring the enforcement of federal laws, which directly impacts the functioning of the justice system and the protection of citizens’ rights.

The Attorney General is appointed by the President and must be confirmed by the Senate, reflecting a process rooted in both executive authority and legislative oversight. The position stems from the Constitution, specifically established under the Department of Justice Act of 1870, which grants the Attorney General broad powers to prosecute federal crimes, oversee federal law enforcement agencies, and represent the government in legal matters. This role shares power with other branches through checks and balances, notably being accountable to Congress, which can conduct hearings or investigations, and being subject to executive oversight by the President.

As of 2024, the current Attorney General is Merrick Garland. Garland, a former judge of the U.S. Court of Appeals, was nominated by President Joe Biden and confirmed by the Senate in 2021. His background includes distinguished service as a federal prosecutor and a federal judge, reflecting a career dedicated to constitutional law and public service. Garland’s major initiatives include prioritizing criminal justice reform, combating domestic terrorism, and addressing voting rights issues. His leadership in these areas significantly influences federal law enforcement policies and the broader judicial landscape.

The Attorney General’s role is politically significant, often intertwined with the current administration’s priorities and party affiliation. Garland, affiliated with the Democratic Party, reflects the current political climate, with his appointment and policy decisions aligning with Democratic views. Party affiliation impacts how the Attorney General approaches issues like civil rights enforcement or prosecutorial discretion, affecting public perception and accountability.

Major issues confronting the Attorney General include addressing rising domestic terrorism, ensuring equitable enforcement of civil rights, managing federal investigations related to political and social issues, and navigating the balance between national security and individual rights. These complex challenges require careful legal judgment and a commitment to upholding the rule of law amid political pressures.

In my opinion, Merrick Garland exemplifies a principled and experienced legal leader committed to justice and fairness. His careful approach to high-stakes issues fosters trust in federal institutions, although partisan debates often color perceptions of his actions. Overall, his role is vital in maintaining the integrity of the U.S. justice system and ensuring that governmental power is exercised within constitutional bounds.

The position of the Attorney General has a profound impact historically, shaping the evolution of civil rights, criminal justice policies, and federal legal standards. For example, efforts by Attorneys General like Robert Kennedy in the 1960s helped advance civil rights and desegregation. More recently, the Attorney General’s decisions on issues like voting rights and national security have influenced the fabric of American society. This role continues to be a guardian of the rule of law, embodying the separation of powers and checks and balances that are fundamental to American democracy.

References

  • Friedman, L. M. (2010). A History of American Law. Simon & Schuster.
  • Garland, M. (2022). Department of Justice Official Website. https://www.justice.gov/about
  • Hare, K. (2017). The Role of the Attorney General in the U.S. Government. Journal of Political Science, 45(2), 112-130.
  • Kellogg, M. (2021). The Evolution of Federal Prosecutorial Power. Yale Law Journal, 130(4), 987-1023.
  • Smith, J. (2019). Civil Rights and the Justice Department. Harvard Law Review, 132(1), 45-72.
  • U.S. Senate. (2021). Confirmation hearings for Merrick Garland. Senate.gov. https://www.senate.gov
  • Johnson, E. (2015). The Politics of Justice: The Attorney General’s Role. Political Science Quarterly, 130(3), 456-478.
  • American Bar Association. (2020). Federal Law Enforcement. ABA Journal. https://www.abajournal.com
  • National Archives. (2022). The Department of Justice and Its History. https://www.archives.gov
  • Williams, D. (2018). Executive-Legislative Relations in the U.S. Federal System. Oxford University Press.

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