What are the Three Branches of Government
The Government in many countries, including the United States of America, is separated into three branches. Each branch is responsible for certain processes and decisions and each of the branches has the same amount of power. Each of these branches has a specific role to play in governing the country and enacting laws and statues.
What are the three branches of government in the United States?
The three branches of government in the United States are the Legislature, the Executive and the Judiciary. The responsibility and power that each of these branches has is upheld by the Constitution of the United States and is further defined by the laws passed in the U.S Congress. Below is a brief outline of the three branches of governments and their various roles.
The Legislative
In the United States the U.S Congress is the legislative branch of government. It is bicameral, meaning that it has two houses, the House of Representatives and the Senate. The United States Congress has the power to levy and collect taxes, to coin money and determine its value, establish national organizations and services (such as post offices and transportation), create federal courts to adjudicate criminal and civil matters, declare war, raise and support armies as needed, make rules for the regulation of land, and pass laws that allow for the proper functioning of the U.S Congress.
The Executive
In the United States the executive branch of the government includes the President, Vice President and Secretary of State and selected cabinet members. The President is the Head of State and government and is also the commander-in-chief during war time. The President is to uphold the constitution and ensure that all laws are faithfully executed. The President must sign all laws passed by the U.S Congress and may veto (override) them if necessary. The president is able to sign international treaties, but any decision based on these treaties must be passed through the Congress. The President is able to appoint Supreme Court justices and federal judges and enact executive orders. The Vice President is the head of the senate and can vote to break tied votes. The Vice President is also responsible for counting and reading out the results of the presidential vote. The secretary of state is responsible for U.S foreign policy and dealings.
The Judiciary
The Judiciary branch of the U.S government is the United States Federal courts. They are responsible for interpreting, applying and explaining the law by hearing cases and making decisions based on the law. The Supreme Court of the United States is the highest court in the land and had the final say on legal matters. This court is responsible for adjudicating over federal matters and cases which has been appealed. Below this court are the United States Court of Appeals and the United States District courts. Each is responsible for hearing criminal and civil cases in their districts.
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