Interaction between the three branches of power
"Trias politica", as it was formulated in the 18th century, includes separation of powers between the legislative, executive, and judicial branches of government (Peterson). An important element in it is the system of checks and balances, which guarantees that none of the three should dominate the others. This is ensured by empowering each branch to have its own set of powers (balances), and some of the competencies of each branch make sure that another branch doesn't abuse its power (checks). Here are just a few examples:
Checks on the executive branch by the legislative branch: The Congress can override a presidential veto; the Senate approves all treaties negotiated by the president; the Senate approves all presidential appointments to the executive offices; the Congress has the power to declare war (with some exceptions); the Congress approves funds for the operation of the government, including the judicial branch.
Checks on the judicial branch by the legislative branch: The Senate approves all judicial appointments made by the president; The Congress makes the laws which form the system and structure of the Supreme Court and the Federal Court; The Congress has the power of impeachment of Supreme and Federal Court judges.
Checks on the legislative branch by the executive branch: The president has the power to veto a bill passed by the Congress; the vice president is President of the Senate.
The US federal system went through stages of adjustment until today’s “new federalism”, in which the three branches cooperate and compete, with the Supreme Court serving to arbitrate disputes between them (Peterson). One way which I see as necessary for further improvement of the federal system of government is to correct the system of government funding which many consider as corrupt, as well as to encourage citizens’ participation in the political decision-making and in oversight and control of the federal agencies and institutions.
Work Cited
“Checks and Balances.” Checks and Balances. Key 2 Liberty. Web.
Peterson, Paul E. The Price of Federalism. Brookings Institution Press, 2012. 11 January 2017. Web.
