Discussion Question

Sara Hernandez

LAW/421

September 20, 2013
John Michael

1) What are the three branches of government and their functions? How are the powers balanced in the U.S. government? How does each branch of government make laws?

Legislative: Senate and House of Representatives • Makes and passes laws • Responsible National Budget • Votes on Bills • Approves appointed Federal Judges • Declare war
Idea is presented and a representative sponsors a bill. The bill is then provided to committee for study and then if passed it moves on to calendar to be voted on, debated or amended. If bill passes moves to Senate where it is assigned to a committee and if passed it moves on to be voted or debated on. Then committee of House and Senate members work out differences among them versions the bill. The final version of bill returns to the House and Senate for final approval. Government Printing Office prints the revised bill and moves to enrolling process. President then has 10 days to sign.
Example: Minimum wage law for women

Executive: President and his Cabinet • Enforces Laws • Makes treaties • Signs and Veto’s Bills
Can suggest laws but does not make them. He ensures that laws are enforced and are consistent with those of Congress. He can sign or veto a bill.
Example: Executive Order 9066 delegated military authority to remove any and all people in a military zone (targeting Japanese and German Americans).

Judicial: Courts of all the land • Interprets the law and punishes law breakers • Decides if laws are constitutional or not
The judicial system does not make the laws, and only interprets the law and ensures equal justice under the law.
Example: Government sees a decline of employment because women are on the workforce thus not properly raising their children. The government then freezes hire of woman and it is the judicial system to knock the proposed law as it discriminates against women.