Page 32 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - Washington, DC

30  INTRODUCING W ASHINGT ON , DC

How the Federal Government Works

In September 1787, the Constitution of the United States
of America was signed (see p93). It was created as “the Checks and Balances
supreme Law of the Land,” to ensure that it would take The system of checks and
precedence over state laws. The powers of the federal balances means that no one
government were se parated into three distinct areas: branch of government can
abuse its power.
the legislative branch to enact the laws, the executive The Executive Branch: The President
branch to enforce them, and the judicial branch to can recommend and veto legislation
interpret them. No one branch, however, was to exert and call a special session of Congress.
too much authority, and the system of checks and The President appoints judges to the
balances was instituted. Provisions were made for courts and can grant pardons for
federal offenses.
amending the Constitution, and by December 1791 The Judicial Branch: The Supreme
the first ten amendments, called the Bill of Rights, Court interprets laws and treaties
were ratified. and can declare an act unconsti-
tutional. The Chief Justice presides
at an impeachment trial of
the President.
The Legislative Branch: Congress
can override a presi dential veto of
a bill with a two-thirds majority.
Presiden tial appointments and
treaties must be approved by the
Senate. Congress also oversees
the jurisdiction of the courts
The Senate, and can impeach and try the
sitting in session President and federal judges.
in the US Capitol.
The Executive Branch
The President, together with the Vice President, is elected for
a four-year term. The President suggests, approves, and vetoes
legislation. The Executive also develops foreign policy and directs
relations with other countries, serves as Commander- in-Chief
of the armed forces, and appoints ambassadors. Secretaries to
the Cabinet, composed of various heads of departments, meet
regularly to advise the President on policy issues. Several agencies
and councils, such as the National Security Council and the Office of Seal of the President
Management and Budget, help determine the
executive agenda.

Ulysses S. Grant
served as the US
President from EXECUTIVE BRANCH
1869 to 1877.
Henry A. Wallace
served as Vice
PRESIDENT President under
Franklin D. Roosevelt,
from 1941 to 1945.
VICE PRESIDENT

CABINET

Madeleine Albright, the first
The White House is the official residence woman to serve as Secretary of
of the US President. State, was appointed in 1997.

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