Branches of Government Paper

Branches of Government Paper

Team A~ Bob Craig, Guy Mayo, Lucio Lopez, Nick Stewart, and Tyrone Reid

HIS/301 United States Constitution

May 9, 2016

Dr. Glenn Nelson

Branches of Government Paper

        In 1775, a mess of Colonists came together in Philadelphia to share their frustrations over governmental rule without having the possibility of representation. These men who became known as the founding fathers of the United States Of America, came forth thirteen years later to forge a document that has never before been written. This document came after the wake of a horrendous war that was fought in the farms and city streets of America, leaving a bittersweet victory over an oppressive government. But this Constitution was written for the people by the people to ensure certain rights, laws, and processes would protect the people of this new country from tyranny, oppression, and their government. The new government would be broken into different functions with limited power to safeguard the people of the states and ensure its sustainability.  

The Executive Branch and its separation of powers

        The primary function of the Executive Branch is to administer and enforce the laws that are passed by the Legislative Branch.  The Executive Branch consists of the President, Vice president, and the presidents appointed cabinet. The president has the obligation to make sure the laws executed faithfully (Phelps & Lehman, 2005). Therefore, it is the job of the Executive Branch to ensure that the Judicial Branch is applying the laws written by the Legislative Branch constitutionally. The Executive Branch can also propose new bills and laws to the Legislative Branch, but they cannot take effect or become law until Congress has approved them. The Executive Branch also must approve the laws written by the Legislative Branch before they can take effect.  If the Executive Branch does not approve, the President can veto the proposed law or bill.  However, if the President vetoes a bill, it can still be passed if Congress (the Senate and House of Representatives) votes and receives a two-thirds majority.  This, in turn, prevents the President from abusing his power and keeps the Executive Branch from becoming too powerful. The Executive Branch checks the Judicial Branch by having the power to appoint all federal and Supreme Court judges.  Therefore, the President is obligated to appoint federal official’s that will successfully carry out laws written by the Legislative Branch. Should the President feel, a ruling made by the Judicial Branch is unfair or unconstitutional he also has the power to pardon individuals convicted of crimes by the Judicial Branch. This is how the President fulfills the primary function of the Executive Branch by ensuring laws are executed faithfully and successfully.