Three Branches of the Federal Government, Essay Example

The three branches of the federal government established by the constitution are the legislative, judiciary, and executive branches. Thee three branches have different powers and influence which creates a system known as check and balances.

The executive branch is essentially the federal government, which is headed by the president and assisted by the vice president and the president’s staff. The exclusive powers that the president is given as the head of this branch of government is the ability to act as the Commander in Chief of the armed forces, to implement and enforce the laws written by Congress, select the heads of federal agencies, and to veto bills presented by members of Congress.

The legislative branch is responsible for making the bills and deciding what bills will have the potential to become law. Congress is composed of the House of Representative and the Senate and has the power to declare war, to confirm or reject presidential appointments, to impeach and try the president, and to enact legislation.

The judiciary is responsible for interpreting the laws defined by Congress and assessing their constitutionality. Laws can be altered by this branch due to the courts ability to generate what is known as case law, which redefines and specifies laws within the scope of the Constitution. Members of this branch are selected by the president and confirmed by the senate. Congress has the power to create courts that are inferior to the Supreme Court, which allows law to be interpreted by the judiciary at both local and federal levels depending upon the specific court in which a case is heard.