Checks and Balances

The American Government is a democratic Republic and the decision-making process fits in the democratic model and the pluralist model. The founders of the Constitution laid out a structural framework for the government. The first three articles of the Constitution define the separate branches of government and specify their internal operations and powers. The separation of powers is the assignment of law-making, law-enforcing, and law-interpreting functions to separate branches of government. The three branches in the United States are: The Executive, Judicial, and Legislative. The principle of separation of powers draws lines that divide the powers held by distinct branches at a single level of government. Each branch has its own powers, though some powers are shared among them. The system of separation of powers is designed to reduce the risk that a single branch might act independently and abuse its power. It also means that one branch cannot exercise the powers of the other branches.

In order to prevent that government falls into the hands of one person or group of people the founders created the principle of checks and balance. A system of checks and balance is a government structure that gives each branch some control of the actions of the others and requires cooperation among the branches.

The legislative branch of government (law-making): The legislative branch is defined in the 1st article of the Constitution and its main purpose is to make laws. It has powers in the executive branch: To confirm executive appointments (Senate), override executive veto, and reject foreign treaties. The legislative can also create or eliminate courts and has the power to impeach.

The executive branch of government (law-enforcing): ...

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...to seize power and leave the other branches powerless or crippled. Germany, I think, is a good example that dictatorship in a vulnerable time is possible and dangerous. Although, the American system with its checks and balance, is much better protected.

Over all, I think there are and have been imbalances. First, I think, the President has too much power to send his military into battle without the approval of Congress. One reason for this is the media and the ability to capture the people’s opinions quickly. Second, I think, the judiciary exercises too much power on its rulings. This excess power results from the long process of legislative to make laws and executive to enforce them. After all, I am confident in our systems that it will find its “right” way and that the government and people will never stop ameliorating.

Works Cited

Challenge of Democracy