Question

For this assignment, you will describe and compare the powers and responsibilities of each branch of the federal government. To do this, you will complete the following steps:
Reflect: Identify the institutions, powers, and responsibilities of each branch of the federal government.
Analyze: Answer questions about the roles each branch plays in carrying out the powers of government.
To get the best grade possible, follow the instructions in the assignment closely and answer all the questions completely. This assignment is worth 20 points.

Based on what you've learned about the three branches of the federal government, answer the following questions. If you need help remembering the details about each branch, go back through the contents of this unit. This section is worth 9 points.
1. List the responsibilities and powers of each branch of the federal government. (6 points)
Branch of government
Executive
Legislative
Judicial
Responsibilities












Powers (identify at least two powers for each branch)











































2. Describe at least one way in which the executive branch is able to influence the actions of the legislative branch and at least one way in which it is able to influence the actions of the judicial branch. (1 point)








3. Describe at least one way in which the legislative branch is able to influence the actions of the judicial branch and at least one way in which it is able to influence the actions of the executive branch. (1 point)








4. Describe at least one way in which the judicial branch is able to influence the actions of the legislative branch and at least one way in which it is able to influence the actions of the executive branch. (1 point)









Now that you have reflected on the powers and responsibilities of each branch, answer the following questions. This section is worth 11 points.
1. The federal government creates the laws that govern the entire nation. Compare the role each branch of government plays in this process and explain which branch plays the most important role in creating laws. (3 points)








2. The federal government is responsible for enforcing laws and carrying out policies. Compare the role each branch of government plays in this process and explain which branch plays the most important role in enforcing laws and carrying out policies. (3 points)








3. The federal government was established by the U.S. Constitution, which created a system of check and balances. Compare the ways each branch balances out the other branches' powers and explain how the judicial branch plays a critical role in maintaining the system of checks and balances. (3 points)








4. Based on what you have learned, which branch of government do you believe has the most power overall? Support your opinion with examples. (2 points)

Answer 1

A legislature is a deliberative assembly with the authority to make laws for a political entity such as a country or city. Legislatures form important parts of most governments; in the separation of powers model, they are often contrasted with the executive and judicial branches of parliamentary government.

Laws enacted by legislatures are usually known as primary legislation. In addition, legislatures may observe and steer governing actions, with authority to amend the budget involved.

The members of a legislature are called legislators. In a democracy, legislators are most commonly popularly elected, although indirect election and appointment by the executive are also used, particularly for bicameral legislatures featuring an upper chamber.

The executive is the branch of government exercising authority in and holding responsibility for the governance of a state. The executive executes and enforces law.

In political systems based on the principle of separation of powers, authority is distributed among several branches —an attempt to prevent the concentration of power in the hands of a single group of people. In such a system, the executive does not pass laws  or interpret them . Instead, the executive enforces the law as written by the legislature and interpreted by the judiciary. The executive can be the source of certain types of law, such as a decree or executive order

The judiciary is the system of courts that interprets, defends, 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, defends, and applies the law to the facts of each case. However, in some countries the judiciary does make common law.

In many jurisdictions the judicial branch has the power to change laws through the process of judicial review. Courts with judicial review power may annul the laws and rules of the state when it finds them incompatible with a higher norm, such as primary legislation, the provisions of the constitution, treaties or international law. Judges constitute a critical force for interpretation and implementation of a constitution, thus in common law countries creating the body of constitutional law.