This reading text provides an overview of political institutions in the United States, including the branches of government, their functions, and their interrelations.
It discusses the roles of the executive, legislative, and judicial branches, highlighting their powers and responsibilities within the framework of the U.S. political system.
Text: Political institutions in the United States
Political institutions in the United States form the backbone of its democratic system, providing structure and governance at federal, state, and local levels. These institutions include the legislative, executive, and judicial branches of government, each with distinct roles and responsibilities defined by the U.S. Constitution.
The legislative branch consists of the U.S. Congress, a bicameral body divided into the Senate and the House of Representatives. The Senate has 100 members, two from each state, serving six-year terms. The House of Representatives has 435 members, apportioned based on population, serving two-year terms. Congress is responsible for making laws, controlling federal spending, and overseeing the executive branch.
The executive branch is headed by the President, who serves as both the head of state and the head of government. The President is elected every four years and can serve a maximum of two terms. The executive branch is responsible for enforcing laws, conducting foreign policy, and managing the federal government’s day-to-day operations. The President is supported by the Vice President, the Cabinet, and various executive agencies and departments, such as the Department of Defense, the Department of State, and the Department of Justice.
The judicial branch interprets and applies the law through a system of courts, with the U.S. Supreme Court at its apex. The Supreme Court consists of nine justices appointed by the President and confirmed by the Senate, serving lifetime terms. The judicial branch ensures that laws and executive actions comply with the Constitution, resolving disputes and protecting individual rights. Below the Supreme Court are lower federal courts, including Courts of Appeals and District Courts, which handle a wide range of civil and criminal cases.
At the state and local levels, political institutions mirror the federal structure, with their own legislative, executive, and judicial branches. State governments have governors, legislatures, and court systems that manage state-specific issues. Local governments, including counties and municipalities, address community needs through elected councils, mayors, and local courts.
These political institutions are designed to provide checks and balances, ensuring no single branch becomes too powerful and safeguarding democratic principles and individual freedoms.
Comprehension questions
Understanding the roles and functions of political institutions in the United States, as well as their interrelations and systems of checks and balances, is crucial for comprehending the functioning of the U.S. government and its democratic principles. The comprehension questions aim to reinforce key concepts covered in the text regarding the executive, legislative, and judicial branches of government, along with their respective powers and responsibilities.
