Question

Define the power distribution between the different levels of goverenment

Answer 1

The Separation of Powers

The Founding Fathers decided to create a government that embraced the idea of separation of powers. The government would be broken into three distinct branches with distinct responsibilities and powers. These branches are:  

The legislative branch that makes laws  

The executive branch that enforces laws  

The judicial branch that interprets laws  

Legislative Branch

Let's take a look at the legislative branch first. The legislative branch of government is the branch that makes the country's laws. It's made up of the two houses of Congress: the House of Representatives and the Senate. Within Congress, each house has its own responsibilities. The House of Representatives, considered the lower of the two houses, is responsible for originating all tax laws. The Senate is responsible for ratifying foreign treaties and confirming presidential appointments, like federal judges or ambassadors.  

The legislative branch has the power to declare war on other countries and can also override presidential vetoes (more about this shortly). Congress also has the power to impeach, or bring formal charges against federal officials, including the president, and remove them from office if necessary.  

Executive Branch

Now, let's take a look at the executive branch. The executive branch of government is responsible for enforcing and upholding the laws made by Congress. The executive branch is made up of the president, vice president, the cabinet, and various government agencies.

Judicary branch

The judiciary is the system of courts that interprets and applies the law in the name of the state. The judiciary can also be thought of as the mechanism for the resolution of disputes. Under the doctrine of the separation of powers, the judiciary generally does not make statutory law or enforce law, but rather interprets law and applies it to the facts of each case. However, in some countries the judiciary does make common law, setting precedent for other courts to follow. This branch of the state is often tasked with ensuring equal justice under law.