Three Branches of U.S. Government

When the founding fathers began to write documents that would structure our new democracy, they wanted to ensure that no one person had too much authority. So they designed the language to create separation powers. The three branches are, Legislative, Judicial and Executive.

The Legislative branch makes the laws, and is comprised of both houses of Congress: Senate and House of Representatives. Each state can elect two senators. However, states are allotted a number that’s representative of their total population. Senators can serve a six-year term but representatives must be re-elected every two years.

Once the bill becomes a law, the Executive branch has the responsibility of enacting it. Those in the Executive branch are the president, vice present and 26 cabinet members, who serve as the presidents expert advisers. The president nominates an individual to head various departments and agencies. This person must be confirmed by a majority vote in the Senate. Besides being the head of the government, the president also serves as the commander-in-chief of the U.S. military.

Finally, the Judicial branch, the group that evaluates the validity of the law, is headed by the Supreme Court. Nine justices sit on the Court, are appointed by the president, and confirmed by the Senate to serve a life term if wish.

The intention of the founding fathers was that these three branches work in unison to promote law and order. This accomplished by a system of checks and balances.
Normally, when a president finishes his term, the cabinet members also leave, as the incoming president will make his or her own selections.

Order of Presidential Succession

The 25th Amendment to the Constitution ratified in 1967 provides an outline of the president’s succession plan upon his or her death. The next in line is the vice president, followed by the speaker of the house. Should the speaker be unable to fill his or her duties, the president pro tempore of the Senate and then the Secretary of State.

This just briefly touches on the structure of our government in the United States. We have a number of attorneys employed here who are well versed in our government and federal law. Do not hesitate to reach out for more information.

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