System Of Checks And Balances

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Ky Ingram November 4, 2012 Prof. Halperin POS-301: Arizona and Federal Government Principles and Articles of the United States Constitution Self-Government | Separation of Powers | Checks and Balances | * “One in which the people would be the ultimate source of governing authority and would have a voice in their governing” (Patterson, 2011) * The majority through its elected representatives have the power to rule” (Patterson, 2011) * Government based on majority rule * “Government closest to the people is government best for the people” (Reber, 2002) * “An enlightened electorate enlightens” (Reber, 2002) * Education is important for informed decisions (Rebel, 2002) * Sustainability between political, cultural,…show more content…
Each branch of government balances the other two by dipping it’s pen in the other’s ink, reminding them they are not omnipotent. Likewise, when one branch feels another has overstepped its bounds it has the power to challenge a decision or piece of legislation. The United States government is divided into three branches: executive, legislative, and judicial. The executive power is in the form of the president but is reined in by the legislative and judicial checks. For example, the president has the power to make treaties and appoint officials, but the Senate must approve them. The judicial powers over the executive branch lie in deeming an action unlawful. The legislative powers are vested in the Congress. Congress has legislative authority, but the president can veto acts of Congress and recommend legislation. The president can also call special sessions of Congress. The Supreme Court (judicial branch) is left to interpret the laws the Congress passes. Also, if an act of Congress is not in accordance with the Constitution, the Supreme Court has the right to void that act. The judicial power is left with the Supreme Court justices and with the lower federal courts. Congress has the power to establish size of the federal court system, to limit the Supreme Court is jurisdiction in some cases and to impeach justices when necessary. Congress also has the power to rewrite or amend law the judicial…show more content…
Each branch has its own powers in the government, but the system of checks and balances keeps each branch from gaining too much power and overstepping its bounds. The checks and balances were originally put in place to protect the newly formed democracy from turning into another monarchy. Though stalemates do occur, for the most part, the three branches work together to promote the will of the people. Stalemates are bound to happen with differing opinions. When the executive branch is made of a majority of one party and the legislative branch is made up of a majority of a different party. Stalemates on policies may happen, but for the most part, the system protects against that. In 2011, the national debt ceiling debate resulted in a stalemate. House Republicans and Senate Democrats halted legislation when they could not reach a compromise (Bingham, 2011)). Even though the representatives are elected to promote the will of the people, sometimes is seems as if they are working towards their own agenda. Politicians get paid to represent others’ wishes; however, they are voted as a representative but not obligated to fulfill those wishes. The Electoral College, the actual votes that count for the presidential election, is not directly affected by the popular vote. In the 2000 election, Gore won the popular vote, but Bush won the electoral vote. There was much controversy over
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