Running Head: Differences between The U.S Separation Of Powers And The British Branches
Differences Between The U.S Separation Of Powers And The British Branches
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The United States is a federal union of 50 states, with the District of Columbia as the seat of the national government. The Constitution outlines the structure of the national government and specifies its powers and activities. Other governmental activities are the responsibility of the individual states, which have their own constitutions and laws. Within each state are counties, townships, cities and villages, each of which has its own elective government.
All government in the United States is "of, by and for the people." (Rossiter, 2003) Members of Congress, the President, state officials and those who govern counties and cities are elected by popular vote. The President names the heads of federal departments while judges are either elected directly by the people or appointed by elected officials. Voters mark unsigned ballots in private booths, so that no one else can find out for whom a citizen is voting. Public officials may be removed from office for failing to perform their duties properly, as well as for serious violations of law.
The pattern of government planned so long ago for 13 states today meets the needs of 50 states and more than 57 times as many people. The first 10 amendments to the Constitution, called the Bill of Rights, assure individual rights and freedoms. Added in 1791, they include provisions for freedom of speech, of the press and of worship; the right of citizens to meet peacefully; the right to be secure in one's own home against unreasonable searches and seizure of person or property; and the right of any person charged with breaking the law to have a speedy trial by a jury of fellow citizens.
The Constitution divides the powers of the government into three branches: the Executive, headed by the...