Checks for Gov

Question 1

INTRO

Answer 1

In the USA, a balance of power exists between the three branches which form the federal government. The three branches are the executive, legislative and judical branches, and the checks and balances system ensures that no single part of the government exerts too much influence. In the USA, the Executive has various powers but there are limits to these powers. For example, the President is Commander-in-Chief of the armed forces, has the power to appoint ambassadors and Supreme Court Justices, can introduce legislation and veto legislation proposed by Congress. However, there are limits to the powers that the president has. This essay will examine both the powers of the president and the checks on the president’s power exerted by the legislative and judicial branches.

Question 2

1P

Answer 2

One important power the president has is in a military sense.

Question 3

1E

Answer 3

The President is the Commander-in-Chief of the armed forces and this gives the president far-reaching military powers.

Question 4

1E

Answer 4

President Obama famously gave the order to kill Osama Bin Laden in 2011, without the need to consult the legislative or judical branches of government.

Question 5

1A

Answer 5

This exemplies the power the president has in that he/she can in theory make important military decisions, underlining the huge responsibility and influence the president has.

Question 6

1R

Answer 6

However, there are also limitations to the president’s power in terms of defence.

Question 7

1E

Answer 7

Whilst the president is Commander-in-Chief, only Congress can declare war or authorise a large-scale military offensive.

Question 8

1E

Answer 8

For example, President Bush had to seek authorisation from Congress before military action could be taken against Afghanistan and Iraq in 2001 and 2003 respectively.

Question 9

1A

Answer 9

This is an excellent example of a check on the president’s power. It is clear that in the US system, the president does not have a dictatorial role whereby he/she can make decisions without consulting other branches. This mechanism in the constitution makes it clear that the political system does indeed provide an effective check on the power of the government.

Question 10

1L

Answer 10

To sum up. whilst the executive branch in the USA undoubtedly wields significant power in relation to military decisions, the political system is designed so that the executive is checked by the legislative branch and therefore major military decisions including declarations of war can only be made with Congressional approval.

Question 11

2P

Answer 11

Another important power the president of the USA has is power of appointment.

Question 12

2E

Answer 12

The president has the power to appoint thousands of individuals within the government.

Question 13

2E

Answer 13

For example, President Trump has recently appointed Rex Tillerson as his secretary of state. In addition, the president can appoint overseas ambassadors and Supreme Court Justices.

Question 14

2A

Answer 14

This illustrates the fact that the executive branch has significant influence as the president personally can pick and choose individuals to help run the government.

Question 15

2R

Answer 15

However, there are in-built limitations to the presidents powers in relation to power of appointment.

Question 16

2E

Answer 16

Whilst the president can nominate ambassadors and Justices, these nominations must be approved by Congress.

Question 17

2E

Answer 17

For example, the mostly recently appointed Justice, Neil Gorsuch, was appointed in 2017. Although Trump nominated him, his appointment only came after the Senate approved.

Question 18

2A

Answer 18

This illustrates an effective check on the presidents power as whilst the President can suggest candidates the senate has the final say.

Question 19

2L

Answer 19

To sum up, it is clear that the US system does indeed provide an effective check on the government in terms of the appointing of high ranking officials. The president does indeed exert influence and can suggest nominees to be ambassadors or Justices, but ultimately these appointments must be approved by Congress, illustrating the effective checks on the government within the US political system.

Question 20

3P

Answer 20

Another power the president of the USA has in terms of legislation.

Question 21

3E

Answer 21

Each year, the president can effectively set the legislative agenda through the State of the Union address. Within this speech in Congress, the President can outline past successes as well as legislative plans for the year ahead.

Question 22

3E

Answer 22

For example, President Obama made clear his desire to reform the US healthcare system within his 2009 State of the Union address

Question 23

3A

Answer 23

This gives the president tremendous power as they can set the agenda and help shape policy for the year ahead and underlines the fact that the president is in a hugely influential position.

Question 24

3R

Answer 24

However, there are limits of the president’s legislative power.

Question 25

3E

Answer 25

Only Congress can introduce legislation and Congress is responsible for the vast majority of legislation passed.

Question 26

3E

Answer 26

For example, the Affordable Care Act, better known as Obamacare, was passed into law in 2010. However, although the act was proposed by President Obama, it had to be authorised and voted on by Congress

Question 27

3A

Answer 27

This underlines the fact that real legislative power lies in Congress, and although the president can exert an influence, the legislative branch has the final say on legislation. Furthermore, the judical branch also has the power to declare laws unconstitutional thorough the process of judical review. This exemplifies how the Supreme Court checks the power of the executive and legislative branches.

Question 28

3L

Answer 28

To sum up, there is little doubt that the executive branch has an influence when it comes to legislation. However, the legislative branch is responsible for the vast majority of legislation and all laws are potentially subject to judical review by the Supreme Court. This highlights the effective checks on the government within the US political system.

Question 29

CONC

Answer 29

In conclusion, it is clear that in the USA, there are effective checks on the government. the very design of the government as outlined in the constitution stipulaye that no single branch should have too much influence and this is reflected in everyday running of the federal government. The president has the power to authorise military action as Commander-in-Chief.