Checks and Balances

"It may be a reflection on human nature that such devices should be necessary to control the abuses of government. But what is government itself but the greatest of all reflections on human nature? If men were angels, no government would be necessary. If angels were to govern, neither external nor internal controls on government would be necessary. In framing a government which is to be administered by men over men, the great difficulty lies in this: You must first enable the government to control the governed; and in the next place oblige it to control itself."
---James Madison, Primary Author of the US Constitution

To accomplish this, the founders of the US government established a national government with three main branches: The Executive Branch (President), The Legislative Branch (Congress), and the Judicial Branch (Courts).

The Executive Branch
The Executive Branch refers to the President, his cabinet, and the Vice-President. Presidents are elected once every four years to a four year term. They may not serve more than two terms (8 total years). A president and vice-president run together, and the election process is very unique. Each state holds a popular vote. However, the "electoral college" then elects the president. Each state has a number of electors, based upon the total population of the state. The electors cast their vote based on what the people of the state expressed in the popular election. To understand this peculiar system, click on the Presidential Election Process link to the right. The President has extensive powers. He is the commander-in-chief of the US Armed Forces. He also selects the heads (leaders) of the various government agencies who meet together as his "cabinet." In addition to these roles, the President sets foreign policy for the nation and even has the power to appoint, with Senate approval, judges to the federal courts.

The Legislative Branch
The legislative Branch of the US Government, often called "Congress," consists of two groups: The Senate and the House of Representatives. This is the only branch of the government that can make laws. Legislation cannot become law unless passed with a majority from both groups. The Senate is composed of 100 Senators who serve six year terms each. There are two Senators from each state, regardless of the state size. The House of Representatives consists of individuals from each state who are elected to two year terms. The number of representatives from each state varies depending on the state's population. Presently there are more than 400 representatives in the "house." All in all, the legislative branch of government is responsible for making laws, taxes, declaring war, governing the US dollar, and much more. For a full listing of responsibilities, click on the Outline link to the right.

The Judicial Branch
The judicial branch of the federal government is responsible for interpreting the US Constitution. The pinnacle of this branch of government is the Supreme Court of the United States of America. Under it is a network of other courts who hear cases of a federal nature, hear appeals concerning decisions made by lower courts, and rule on the constitutional validity of laws made by the legislature. The President appoints judges to these courts, and these appointments require the approval of the Senate. Once judges are appointed, their term of service is for life.

By The People, For The People
The government of the USA is structured so that the people set the direction of the country by choosing their own leaders in their city, state, and for the nation as a whole. Voting is a privilege of being an American citizen. To learn more about how elections shape the direction of the country, and how elections work, click on the last link in the column to the right.