2024 is an important year for U.S. politics, and for our country’s history. The Preamble to the U.S. Constitution depicts the vision the Founding Fathers desired in a new government. They hoped for a nation that provided safety, health, peace and freedom.
In order to establish a nation with such hopes, the Founding Fathers established the U.S. government. Which is a complex entity that, at first, can be intimidating for any individual to grasp Guided by our principles of objectivity, knowledge and change. We have gathered important information in this comprehensive guide about the U.S. government.
In an era of political uncertainty, whether you are a first-time voter, or simply seeking to gain knowledge on the foundations of U.S. politics. The following will help you navigate the information you need for upcoming elections, roles in the government or understanding how the government functions.
We deliver data; you make the decision. We inform, you vote.
Here is a comprehensive guide to the United States government, covering its structure, functions, and branches:
The United States government is a federal constitutional republic, which means that it is a system of government that combines elements of democracy, republicanism, and federalism. The government is divided into three branches: the legislative, executive, and judicial branches. This guide will provide an overview of each branch, as well as the roles and responsibilities of the various federal departments and agencies.
The Legislative Branch: Congress
The legislative branch is responsible for making laws. It is composed of two houses: the House of Representatives and the Senate.
- The House of Representatives: The House of Representatives has 435 members, each representing a district in one of the 50 states. Members serve two-year terms, with elections held every even-numbered year. The House of Representatives is responsible for initiating revenue bills and impeaching federal officials.
- The Senate: The Senate has 100 members, with two senators representing each state. Senators serve six-year terms, with elections held every even-numbered year. The Senate has the power to approve or reject presidential appointments, including Supreme Court justices, federal judges, and high-ranking government officials.
The Executive Branch: The President and Administration
The executive branch is responsible for enforcing the laws of the land. It is headed by the President and includes various departments and agencies.
- The President: The President is the head of state and government, serving a four-year term. The President is responsible for appointing federal officials, including the Vice President, Cabinet members, and federal judges. The President also serves as commander-in-chief of the armed forces.
- The Vice President: The Vice President supports the President and assumes the office of the President if the President is unable to serve.
- Cabinet: The Cabinet is composed of 15 departments, each led by a secretary who is appointed by the President and confirmed by the Senate. The departments include State, Defense, Justice, Treasury, and others.
- Federal Departments and Agencies: There are over 400 federal departments and agencies that support the executive branch’s functions. These include agencies such as the Federal Reserve System, the Federal Trade Commission, and the National Institutes of Health.
The Judicial Branch: The Supreme Court
The judicial branch is responsible for interpreting the laws of the land. It is composed of nine justices who serve for life.
- The Supreme Court: The Supreme Court is the highest court in the land, with jurisdiction over federal cases and disputes between states. The Court has the power to declare laws unconstitutional and interpret laws in cases that come before it.
Other Federal Entities
In addition to the three branches of government, there are several other federal entities that play important roles in governance:
- Federal Courts: There are over 90 federal courts in the United States, including district courts, appeals courts, and bankruptcy courts.
- Independent Agencies: These agencies are not part of any branch of government but are still responsible for carrying out specific tasks. Examples include the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), and the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).
- Government Corporations: These are corporations that are owned by the government but operate independently. Examples include the United States Postal Service (USPS) and Amtrak.
State Governments
In addition to the federal government, there are 50 state governments that have their own constitutions, laws, and governing structures. Each state has its own:
- Legislature: Composed of a state senate and state house or assembly
- Governor: Head of state government
- State Courts: Composed of trial courts, appeals courts, and supreme courts
- State Agencies: Responsible for carrying out specific tasks such as regulating industries or providing social services
Local Governments
Local governments include counties, cities, towns, and villages. They are responsible for providing services such as law enforcement, public health services, and education.
How Laws are Made
Laws are made through a process called bicameralism:
- Introduction: A bill is introduced in either the House of Representatives or the Senate.
- Committee Review: The bill is reviewed by a committee in either chamber.
- Mark-up: The committee may make changes to the bill before sending it back to the full chamber.
- Floor Vote: The bill is voted on by all members of Congress.
- Conference Committee: If there are differences between versions of the bill passed by both chambers, a conference committee is formed to resolve those differences.
- Final Vote: Once an agreement is reached, both chambers vote on the final version of the bill.
- Signing or Veto: The bill is sent to the President for signing or vetoing.
How Budgets are Made
Budgets are made through a process called appropriations:
- Budget Proposal: The President submits a budget proposal to Congress.
- House Committee Review: The House Appropriations Committee reviews and marks up the budget proposal.
- House Floor Vote: The budget proposal is voted on by all members of Congress.
- Senate Committee Review: The Senate Appropriations Committee reviews and marks up the budget proposal.
- Senate Floor Vote: The budget proposal is voted on by all members of Congress.
- Conference Committee: If there are differences between versions of the budget proposal passed by both chambers, a conference committee is formed to resolve those differences.
- Final Vote: Once an agreement is reached, both chambers vote on the final version of the budget proposal.
Introduction to the Local Government
Definition:
The local government is the public administration of a specific area. Which may include cities, towns, counties, and districts. It is considered the lowest tier of governance behind the state and federal government.
Purpose:
To govern and administer a specific area by implementing, and making decisions impacting the safety, well-being, and quality of life for its residents. Functions may involve housing, parks, recreational services educational services, etc.
Roles and Responsibilities
Multiplical Government (Cities, Town, Villages)
• Mayor: The mayor is also known as the chief executive administrative officer within local government. Responsible for all administrative functions. These functions may include managing agency operations, enforcing local laws, vetoing legislation, etc. The mayor is elected for a four-year term limited to consecutive terms.
• City Council Member: A city council member is responsible for exercising the legislative powers of the government in its specific area. As a council member, they can vote but also authorize improvements to the public, set appropriate tax levies, establish sewer and water rates, set council agenda, etc. Members are elected for a four-year term. City Council terms vary as some cities allow two-year terms with a four-term limit while others only allow two consecutive terms with four years for each term
• City Clerk: A local official who holds the responsibility of managing public inquiries and relationships, administrates democratic responsibilities such as elections, gains access to the city records, and ensures transparency for the public. Depending on the city, city clerks serve 2-4 year terms.
• Treasurer: An elected official who is responsible for the financial management of the governmental area. Treasurers can hold a term for four years. In many areas, treasurers do not have a term limit, such as in Los Angeles, Chicago, and San Francisco
Functions of Local Government
• Public Safety: Police services, fire departments, emergency management (prepare/respond to natural disasters)
• Public Work/Infrastructure: Includes road maintenance, the building and repair of roads, streets, and sidewalks, constructing and maintaining government buildings, community centers, etc. The local government also ensures the organization of recycling, garbage, and disposal programs
• Education: Oversees the operation and funding of local public schools, while also providing library services.
• Transportation: The local government operates and maintains transportation systems such as buses, and subways while also implementing traffic control measures including parking facilities.
Meetings: The City Council holds meetings, public hearings, and community forums to engage citizens in the governance of the area.
Facial Management: Includes managing the local government budget to distribute and collect resources properly. Collecting property tax, sales, fees, and fines to fund local services.
Recreation: Maintaining Parks, and recreational facilities, and organizing community events and programs for the citizens of the area to participate in.
4 Local Government Funding
Taxes: A large percentage of funds that the local government has comes from taxes. His includes property tax, sales tax, and other local taxes. The local government also provides financial assistance to its residents which may include scholarships, housing assistance, grants and loans, etc.
5 Ways to get involved with the Local Government
- Vote: Participate in local elections
- Attend meetings: As citizens, we can attend city council meetings to stay informed.
- Volunteer events: Participate in advisory boards, committees, local initiatives, etc.
- Join or Form community groups
- Advocate and Lobby: Join or sign petitions in support of local government actions or policies
Conclusion
In conclusion, this comprehensive guide provides an overview of the US government’s structure, functions, and branches. From Congress to the Supreme Court to state governments and local governments, each entity plays a vital role in governing our country. Understanding how laws are made and budgets are created. It can help citizens better navigate their role in shaping our country’s future.