Introduction to the American Government

CJ140-01

Purdue University Global

The American Government, which was brought into being by the Constitution, is separated into three different factions: The Legislative, the Executive, and the Judicial. Each branch is divided into smaller agencies and groups, ensuring that each branch of government does not have too much power, and that is shared equally between the three factions. This system functions together as a whole, working to create, implement, veto, enact and to review statutes.

The Judicial branch of the government is comprised of the United States Supreme Court, which is the highest court in the country, federal courts, state Supreme Courts, and County Courts. The United States Supreme Court has nine judges, which are nominated by the President, and must be approved by the Senate by a majority vote . The judicial system’s main function is to evaluate laws, and to decide if they are allowable by the Constitution.

The Legislation is comprised of the House of Representatives and the Senate: Their main function is to draft laws. They are also responsible for approving or rejecting actions carried out by the President.

The Executive Branch, which is comprised of the President, Vice President, and the Cabinet, are responsible for carrying out the laws set forth by the Legislation, as well as dealing with foreign policy, and acting as Commander-in-Chief of the United States military.

The dividing of power between the three factions provides protection to the citizens of the United States, providing a checks and balances for the government to ensure that each branch is not infringing upon the rights of the citizens, as well as encroaching on the powers of the other branches of government. The checks and balances system works as each branch oversees the other, such as: The Judicial system interprets the laws via the Constitution, and declares whether laws by the Legislative branch, or acts by the Executive branch are unconstitutional. The Legislative branch approves or rejects laws and nominations put forth by the president, as well as creating laws. The Executive branch can put forth nominations, as well as veto laws put forth by the Legislation, although the Legislation can pass it if they have a majority vote. This system allows the government to perform their duties, while limiting the power in order to ensure that the rights of the citizens that were established in the Constitution and the Bill of Rights are protected.

I went to governmental websites for the sources for my assignment, as I knew that an official United States government website is a credible resource. I made sure that each resource had a .gov in the URL, so I knew I wouldn’t be referencing any false or wrong materials.