The government of the United States is organized at three levels: federal, state, and local. Each level of government contains three branches: executive, legislative and judicial. These branches or arms of government perform certain duties and functions for its citizens. This arrangement of duties between the three levels is called the structure of government or separation of powers. Generally, the legislative branch is responsible for making laws, the judicial branch for interpreting the laws, and the executive branch for enforcing the laws.
A simple way to keep the levels and branches straight is by reviewing the chart below. Think of it as a "who’s who and what’s what" guide to government.
DIVISION OF GOVERNMENT POWERS
|
FEDERAL |
President |
Congress |
Federal courts |
|
STATE |
Governor |
State Assembly |
State Courts |
|
LOCAL |
Mayor |
City Council/Board of Alderman |
Municipal Courts |
The federal government takes priority over the other two levels (state and local) because it deals with issues that may affect all citizens. The powers of the federal government include: taxation, declaring war upon another nation, passing laws, and regulating commerce. The state and local governments are allowed to pass laws on matters that pertain to their state or city.
Our national (federal) system of government is empowered to govern us because the U.S. Constitution, which is supported by federal laws, court decisions, and administrative rules. The will of the people is expressed in the Constitution, which created a strong central government. It is so strong in fact, that the sole power reserved exclusively for states is the right to exist. Only a state, in other words, may decide to exist or not. In all other matters and issues, the federal government is sovereign, or supreme in its authority to rule over its citizens.
REVIEW
The role of the executive branch on each level of government is to __________________________________________________________
The role of the legislative branch on each level of government is to:
___________________________________________________________
The role of the judicial branch on each level of government is to: ____________________________________________________________