How the American Constitution Provides For Separation of Power System
The American constitution is deliberately made inefficient in its power separation process. The constitution prevents the majority from the rule of iron fist. In essence, the constitution does not give government branch excessive powers. The three main branches of the government as enumerated in Article 1, Article 2 and Article 3 of the American constitution, all the three branches of the government work together.1 Each of the branches is just but limited to specific powers as monitored by one other. The entire legal process formulates the Checks and Balances concept.
How a Bill Becomes a Law
Based on the American government context spelled out in the constitution, a bill passes through six major stages so as to become a law.2 The first most stage in law making is characterized by an introduction of a legislation piece by any member. After introduction, the legislation is handed to the clerk of the House. In the senate house, the bill is then read by a recognized presiding officer during the morning hour of the session. The second stage of bill passage is referred to as the Committee Action. At this stage, the House speaker or the senate presiding officer refers the bill to the appropriate committee. The bill is then brought back for Floor Action characterized by calendar events in the House. During this stage, the bill is debated and voted for then passed over to the Conference Committee stage. In the Conference Committee stage, members work out on basic differences so as to come up with a written report submitted to various chambers. Both the House and the Senate have to approve the conference report before the bill is sent to the president. The bill only becomes a law after it has been read and signed by the president. Lastly, an official number is appended to the bill so as to make it a legally accepted document.
The State and Federal Powers
In the recent past, the Federal powers have predominantly risen above the state based on priorities. A case in point is realized in the increased desire for the federal state to deal with the foreign powers and state dispute management.3 In addition, the constitutional exclusive power delegated to the individual authorities differs massively by weight. The federal government handles more contentious issues in relation to the state.
Dudley Susan. Federal and state power: New York, Benchmark publishers 2007
Wie Nancy. Bill sessions to become a law: NY, Max publishers.1999
Louis Fisher. Federalism &Separated Powers: US, Carolina, Academic publishers. 2005
