Details:
Part I: Principles of the Constitution
Create a chart or a matrix outlining the following primary principles of the Constitution:
1. Self-Government
2. Separation of Powers
3. Checks and Balances
Write an analysis of 250-500 words on the effectiveness of the checks and balances in the federal government.
1. Cite specific examples.
2. Defend your rationale.
3. Utilize the required readings, academic websites, and the GCU e-Library as resources for this assignment.
While APA format is not required for the body of this assignment, solid academic writing is expected and in-text citations and references should be presented using APA documentation guidelines, which can be found in the APA Style Guide, located in the Student Success Center.
Part II: The Three Branches of the Federal Government
Outline the duties and responsibilities of each of the three branches of the federal government.
1. List each branch of government and summarize the duties and responsibilities of each. You may use bullet points in the outline.
2. Describe how these three branches are supposed to interact.
3. Include a summary of how a bill becomes law.
Write an analysis of 250-500 words on the effectiveness of the process of government.
1. Do three branches act in a constructive way to promote the will of the people, or is it more like a stalemate?
2. Are the representatives of the people more concerned about the people's agenda or their own personal agendas?
3. How important a role does the electorate play in the attitudes and actions of our elected officials?
Cite specific examples and defend your rationale.
Utilize the required readings, academic web sites, and the GCU e-Library as resources for this assignment.
While APA format is not required for the body of this assignment, solid academic writing is expected and in-text citations and references should be presented using APA documentation guidelines, which can be found in the GCU APA Style Guide, located in the Student Success Center.
This assignment uses a grading rubric. Instructors will be using the rubric to grade the assignment; therefore, students should review the rubric prior to beginning the assignment to become familiar with the assignment criteria and expectations for successful completion of the assignment.
Submit both parts of the assignment to the instructor by the end of Module 3.
These are YOUR assignments. What are your questions about all this?
To complete Part I of this assignment, you will need to create a chart or matrix outlining the primary principles of the Constitution: Self-Government, Separation of Powers, and Checks and Balances. Here's a breakdown of how to approach this task:
1. Self-Government:
This principle refers to the idea that the power of the government should come from the people themselves. In other words, the citizens have the ultimate authority to govern themselves. Examples of self-government in the Constitution include:
- The Preamble: The opening of the Constitution emphasizes "We the People" as the source of the government's legitimacy.
- Popular sovereignty: The concept that all political power resides with the people, who elect representatives to carry out their will.
2. Separation of Powers:
This principle establishes three separate branches of government - the Legislative, Executive, and Judicial branches - each with their own distinct powers and responsibilities. Examples of separation of powers in the Constitution include:
- Article I: Legislative powers are vested in Congress, which consists of the Senate and the House of Representatives.
- Article II: Executive power is vested in the President, who is responsible for enforcing laws.
- Article III: Judicial power is vested in the Supreme Court and other federal courts, which interpret laws.
3. Checks and Balances:
This principle ensures that no single branch of government becomes too powerful. It allows for each branch to check the actions of the other branches. Examples of checks and balances in the Constitution include:
- The veto power: The President can veto legislation passed by Congress, but Congress can override a veto with a two-thirds majority in both houses.
- Judicial review: The Supreme Court can declare laws or executive actions unconstitutional.
For the analysis of the effectiveness of checks and balances in the federal government, you should aim to write 250-500 words, citing specific examples and defending your rationale. Use required readings, academic websites, and the GCU e-Library for research.
Next, for Part II of the assignment, you will need to outline the duties and responsibilities of each of the three branches of the federal government, describe how these branches are supposed to interact, and summarize how a bill becomes law. Here's how to approach this:
1. List each branch of government and summarize their duties and responsibilities using bullet points. Include specific examples where relevant:
- Legislative branch (Congress):
- Makes laws
- Approves federal budget
- Confirms presidential appointments
- Examples: House of Representatives and Senate
- Executive branch (President):
- Enforces laws
- Represents the country in foreign affairs
- Commands the armed forces
- Examples: President and the Vice President
- Judicial branch (Supreme Court):
- Interprets laws
- Reviews the constitutionality of laws and actions
- Resolves disputes
- Examples: Supreme Court and other federal courts
2. Describe how these three branches are supposed to interact:
These branches are designed to work together through a system of checks and balances. They keep each other in line, prevent any single branch from becoming too powerful, and ensure that the government operates in a fair and democratic manner. Each branch has certain powers that can limit or influence the actions of the other branches.
3. Summary of how a bill becomes law:
To become a law, a bill must go through several stages in both the House of Representatives and the Senate. The process typically involves introduction, committee review, debate, voting, and reconciliation of differences between the two chambers. The bill must then be signed by the President to become law, though it can still be vetoed.
For your analysis of the effectiveness of the process of government, write 250-500 words and answer the following questions:
1. Do the three branches act in a constructive way to promote the will of the people, or is it more like a stalemate? Cite specific examples and defend your rationale.
2. Are the representatives of the people more concerned about the people's agenda or their own personal agendas? Again, provide examples and defend your rationale.
3. How important a role does the electorate play in the attitudes and actions of our elected officials? Support your answer with examples and rationale.
Remember to cite specific examples and use the required readings, academic websites, and the GCU e-Library as resources. While APA format is not required for the body of the assignment, make sure to use solid academic writing and include in-text citations and references using APA documentation guidelines.