Branches of the U.S. Government, Essay Example

Introduction

There are three branches of government; the judicial, executive and the legislature. These branches of government have different roles to ensure that there is smooth running of government activities.

The executive

This branch consists of the president, vice president and the cabinet ministries such as internal security, state defense, communication and finance. The superior power of the executive branch rests with president who is responsible for appointment of vice president and cabinet staff who head their respective ministries. The important function of this branch is ensuring that the laws of the land are carried out and enforced to facilitate daily activities like defending the country and collecting taxes (Dellosa, 18-28).

The Legislature

This branch is made up of the senate and the House of Representatives. In a collective sense it is known as the congress. The senate consists of distinct type of representatives which is determined by the population of the state. The legislature is responsible for passing the laws and policies of the land and reimbursement of funds for operation of the federal government.

The judiciary

The judiciary is made up of the supreme courts and lower federal courts. The main function of this branch is to hear cases and interpret the laws made by the legislature. The president is the one who appoints the judges who are approved by the senate.

Checks and balances of the three branches of government

The main purpose of system of checks and balances is to ensure that no one branch of government abuses the other. Therefore, these three different types of branches of government each is assigned with different role. This was as result of the need not to return to previous totalitarian system of governance that was brought by the Britons during colonial regime in America. Therefore to ensure that no person monopolizes power, checks and balances were instituted. The congress is responsible for checking the powers of the president. For example, they can decline his appointments. The congress may also implement a law that the president can not despite the fact he is entitled to veto power that the congress may decide to override. In addition, the supreme courts may decide on constitution al law with confirmation of two thirds of the states (Dellosa, 49-51).

The judicial branch monitors the executive and legislative branches of government through judicial review. Therefore, it is only the supreme courts decisions that are applicable to the entire country. To ensure no misuse of power, the powers to review the constitution by the judiciary is limited by the congress that contains the powers to set authority over the courts. The congress on the other hand is limited by the constitution on setting jurisdiction of the judiciary. The powers of chief are also limited in the sense that he has no command to grant authority to the presiding officer despite the fact that he has the authority in presiding over the impeachment trial of the president. These checks and balances have imposed separation of power on these branches of government which it affirms in order to restrain any branch of government dominates the other.

Interest groups and how they affect branches of government

Interest groups affect all the three branches of government. For instance, the interest groups and the judiciary are governed by ethical codes. In this sense, the interest groups have there own way of approaching the courts. They take part in selection of judges specifically for the supreme and federal courts. In addition, they are involved in legal representation of citizens who are getting low incomes thus making the need for payment by another person not necessary.

The executive is responsible for administrative functions therefore interest groups have realized the need of participating in governance and administration of the nations this is made possible because they are represented by the parliament which for example has the task of approving the national budget and also affirming the new laws. These groups also choose ministries that are necessary in efficient administration of government. They are involved in any decision making process like making of new law. Since these organized groups have expertise in various fields, public servants are conducted and consoled in any procedure (Dellosa, 34-45).

The congress and the parliament are the only means through which interest groups influence the legislature. For example they are involved giving address to members of legislature regarding the policies they have put in place. Also, they are involved in direct lobbying to access government institutions this is aided by activities such as hiding vital information and contribution of funds to parties.

Media influence on three branches of government

The media educates the public and disseminate it with vital information on activities of the branches of government thus making people critical towards the government. This is done through the use of print media and public opinion. This facilitates interaction between the representatives and the citizens.

Checks and balances on interest groups and mass media

There are laws that govern how the interest group should carry out its activities. For instance, use of demonstration and riot to pass a message is prohibited. More so, the government has powers to burn some interest groups by denying them permits to allow them do their work.

The content that is printed to the public is governed by law. Any media house that may incite the public is shut down. The department of communication and technology cross check what is circulated to the public.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the three branches of government are necessary for effective administration of the nation therefore, there is need for equality among these branches to avoid power struggle and conflict of interest. However, the interest groups and mass media plays a vital role in educating the public and fighting for their rights that some government can easily abuse like extra judicial killing and pending of cases in courts.

Works cited

Dellosa, Carson. Branches of the U.S Government. New York; Green Wood Press, 2008.