Executive Office Of The President
Every day, the President of the United States is faced with scores of decisions, each with important consequences for Americas future. To provide the President with the support that he or she needs to govern effectively, the Executive Office of the President was created in 1939 by President Franklin D. Roosevelt. The EOP has responsibility for tasks ranging from communicating the Presidents message to the American people to promoting our trade interests abroad.
The EOP, overseen by the White House Chief of Staff, has traditionally been home to many of the Presidents closest advisers. While Senate confirmation is required for some advisers, such as the Director of the Office of Management and Budget, most are appointed with full Presidential discretion. The individual offices that these advisors oversee have grown in size and number since the EOP was created. Some were formed by Congress, others as the President has needed them they are constantly shifting as each President identifies his or her needs and priorities. Perhaps the most visible parts of the EOP are the White House Communications Office and Press Secretarys Office. The Press Secretary provides daily briefings for the media on the Presidents activities and agenda. Less visible to most Americans is the National Security Council, which advises the President on foreign policy, intelligence, and national security.
What Type Of Government Does America Have
The government of the United States of America is a constitutional federal republic. It functions as a democracy and a republic because citizens elect individuals to represent them, and a majority vote determines laws.
The U.S. Constitution The foundation of the United States government is the U.S. Constitution. This document was written in 1787, and specifies the powers and limitations of each branch of the government, as well as the rights of citizens. It opens with 10 amendments called The Bill of Rights, designed to protect the freedom of citizens from an overreaching government. Rights granted here include the freedoms of religion, speech, press and assembly, the right to a speedy trial, protection against unreasonable search and seizure and the right to due process in the court system. After the Bill of Rights are additions to the Constitution. These amendments outline the powers of the three branches of government, define citizenship, give women the right to vote and establish term limits for the president. Changing the Constitution requires a two-thirds majority vote in both houses of Congress.
Limited Government And The Economy
Limited government favors few, if any, controls, not only on a nation’s individuals but on its economy. It is often associated with concepts such as laissez-faire economics, as first delineated in Adam Smiths 1776 book entitled An Inquiry into the Nature and Causes of the Wealth of Nations. In this context, the most extreme sort of limited government would be one that lets supply-and-demand forces Smith’s “Invisible Hand” theory drive the economy the government does not intervene to alter or influence economic cycles and business activity.
Proponents of this view believe limited government provides the greatest possibility for economic growth and the most equitable distribution of wealth. Historically, they argue, government-influenced markets tend to be expensive, exclusionary, monopolistic and poorly provisioned interference with prices creates allocative inefficiencies. By contrast, when government interaction in the marketplace is limited, the unfettered markets are relatively more competitive, more productive and more responsive to consumer needs.
Critics of limited government argue that the government should control the economy to mitigate the harmful effects of economic ups and downs and that this type of control leads to less income inequality.
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State & Local Government
Under the Tenth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, all powers not granted to the Federal Government are reserved for the States and the people. All State Governments are modeled after the Federal Government and consist of three branches: executive, legislative, and judicial. The U.S. Constitution mandates that all states uphold a republican form of government, although the three-branch structure is not required.
What Type Of Government Does The United States Have
The US is a republic composed of 50 states, a number of territories, and a district, Washington D.C, which is also the country’s capital city. The United States was formerly a British Colony and fully acquired its independence from Britain in 1776. After its independence, the US set out to acquire new territories, some of which were later admitted as states. The government of the United States is quite unique when compared to the government systems of other countries. Several nations tend to model their government around that of the US.
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Executive Branch Of The Us Government
The executive branch carries out and enforces laws. It includes the president, vice president, the Cabinet, executive departments, independent agencies, and other boards, commissions, and committees.
American citizens have the right to vote for the president and vice president through free, confidential ballots.
Key roles of the executive branch include:
- PresidentThe president leads the country. He or she is the head of state, leader of the federal government, and Commander in Chief of the United States armed forces. The president serves a four-year term and can be elected no more than two times.
- Vice presidentThe vice president supports the president. If the president is unable to serve, the vice president becomes president. The vice president can be elected and serve an unlimited number of four-year terms as vice president, even under a different president.
- The CabinetCabinet members serve as advisors to the president. They include the vice president, heads of executive departments, and other high-ranking government officials. Cabinet members are nominated by the president and must be approved by a simple majority of the Senate51 votes if all 100 Senators vote.
Executive Branch Agencies, Commissions, and Committees
Much of the work in the executive branch is done by federal agencies, departments, committees, and other groups.
How The Us Government Is Organized
The Constitution of the United States divides the federal government into three branches to make sure no individual or group will have too much power:
- LegislativeMakes laws
- ExecutiveCarries out laws
- JudicialEvaluates laws
Each branch of government can change acts of the other branches:
- The president can veto legislation created by Congress and nominates heads of federal agencies.
- Congress confirms or rejects the president’s nominees and can remove the president from office in exceptional circumstances.
- The Justices of the Supreme Court, who can overturn unconstitutional laws, are nominated by the president and confirmed by the Senate.
This ability of each branch to respond to the actions of the other branches is called the system of checks and balances.
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Benefits Of Capitalism In The United States
Private ownership of businesses is as much important as those run by the government. In capitalism, private corporations play a major role when it comes to generating profits. It creates competition between local industries that enhances the quality of goods and services being provided to the public. When such corporations generate revenues, other players also enter the competition to gain their respective market share. As the competition between companies grows, the prices of goods also drop significantly which expands the consumer base.
Executive Branch Of The Government Of Germany
The president is the head of state and it is a ceremonial position, the holder of the position is elected to serve for a single term and eligible for a second term lasting for five years. The election of the president is carried out by the Federal convention that is composed of the members of the Federal Parliament and the members nominated by the state parliaments. The incumbent president is Joachim Gauck who took office on March 23, 2012 and the next election will be held in June 2017. The Federal Parliament is charged with the responsibility of electing the Chancellor who is the head of the government to serve for a term of four years. The last election of the Chancellor was on December 17, 2013 and the incumbent is Angela Merkel who has been in the position since November 2005. The next elections will be held not later than 2017. The president appoints the cabinet on the recommendation of the chancellor. The cabinet is made up of the federal ministers.
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Legislative Branch Of The Government Of Mexico
Mexico has a bicameral national congress made up of the Senate and the Chamber of Deputies . The Senate consists of 128 members, where two are elected for each state, and 2 represent the federal district. 32 Senators are awarded through the principle of the first minority, while another 32 are elected through proportional representation. Senators serve six-year terms and cannot be elected for the subsequent term. The Chamber of Deputies is made of 500 members. 200 of the deputies are elected through proportional representation, where they represent large plurinominal districts. The rest of the deputies represent single-member districts, and they serve a three-year term. The legislature is mandated to pass legislation and approve the national budget. Congress retains the right to approve Presidential nomination of diplomats and approves or accepts treaties made with other countries. Congress also imposes taxes and declares war. The Legislature appoints an interim president in case of impeachment or death of the sitting President.
Limited Government And Finances
Everything a government does is paid for by taxes. By restricting itself to a bare minimum of public services, a limited government tends to impose a relatively low tax burden on businesses and individuals. With lower taxes, households and businesses have increased disposable income to spend, save, and invest, all of which helps the economy grow. That doesnt mean services typically provided by governments, like roads, cant exist if there is a demand for them, the private sector will provide them instead.
Limited government means there are fewer rules that must be followed and enforced. The resources that would otherwise be devoted to complying with regulations can be dedicated instead to more productive uses or to leisure time. Ultimately, limited government is about having more individual freedom and the right to do what you want, as long as you dont infringe on anyone elses rights.
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Democracy And Government The Us Political System Elected Officials And Governmental Institutions
Americans are generally positive about the way democracy is working in the United States. Yet a majority also says that the fundamental design and structure of U.S. government is in need of significant changes to make it work today.
Republicans are more likely than Democrats to say U.S. democracy is working at least somewhat well, and less likely to say government is in need of sweeping changes.
And far more Republicans than Democrats say the U.S. political system is best in the world or above average when compared with political systems of other developed nations.
Overall, about six-in-ten Americans say democracy is working well in the U.S. today four-in-ten say it is not working well .
About seven-in-ten Republicans and Republican-leaning independents say U.S. democracy is working very or somewhat well, compared with 48% of Democrats and Democratic leaners. Relatively small shares in both parties say democracy in the U.S. is working very well.
While a majority of Americans say democracy in this country is working well, about six-in-ten say significant changes to the fundamental design and structure of government are needed to make it work for current times 38% say the design and structure of government serves the country well and does not need significant changes.
Although the view that significant changes are needed is widely held, those with higher levels of political engagement are less likely to say this than people who are less politically engaged.
Capitalism Leads To Innovation
Another essential benefit of capitalism is innovation. When different organizations compete with another to increase their customer base, they are compelled to come up with unique ideas. They have to consider the strengths and weaknesses of their competitors and manufacture products accordingly. Their focus should always cater to the unique selling points of a good or service.
As a matter of fact, the United States has been a role model in this regard. Its market has pioneered the art of innovation which is renowned globally, even to this day. Although some European and Asian countries have seen significant growth in various industrial sectors, some of their policies and business models are based on American standards. The American technology industry, especially, has revolutionized the use of different types of gadgets. Its space and aviation industries are second to none.
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How Does The Mixed Economy Function
A mixed economy features the best characteristics of capitalism and socialism. The former thrives when the players of the private sector are given a free hand by the government. The prices of services and goods are determined through supply and demand, also referred to as the invisible hands in economics. For instance, if a particular good is in high demand then it is being produced, its price rises. On the other hand, if the same product is being produced more than its actual demand among the consumers, its price would naturally drop. This is how the capitalistic function of a mixed economy works.
However, other industrial sectors, especially the services, perform better when under the governments control. For instance, educational, law firms, and the healthcare industries. At times, it is important for the government to intervene as it regulates prices and helps maintain a fair balance between different market players. In addition, it also facilitates people who are unemployed.
Limited Government And Capitalism
Limited government is also often seen as crucial to capitalism. While capitalism may tolerate government influence, it is almost always handicapped and made less productive by it, limited government proponents insist. The process of government action is diametrically opposed to the process of a free market economy: In a free market, businesses and individuals contract or transact on a voluntary basis, whereas a government program operates through sovereign decree and compliance with its dicta is regulated through force. In effect, some individuals can introduce change to other individuals without bearing the full costs.
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The US is a constitutional republic and representative democracy. Our Government is regulated by a system of checks and balances defined by the US Constitution, which serves as the countrys supreme legal document. In the US, citizens are usually subject to three levels of government: federal, state, and local. The original text of the Constitution establishes the structure and responsibilities of the federal government and its relationship with the individual states. The Constitution has been amended 27 times, including the first 10 amendments, the Bill of Rights, which forms the central basis of Americans individual rights.
American Indian Tribal Government Structure
Our Government officially recognizes 574 Indian tribes in the contiguous 48 states and Alaska. The US observes tribal sovereignty of the American Indian nations to a limited degree, as it does with the states sovereignty. American Indians are US citizens and tribal lands are subject to the jurisdiction of the US Congress and the federal courts. Like the states, the tribal governments have a great deal of autonomy with respect to their members, including the power to tax, govern, and try them in court, but also like the states, tribes are not allowed to make war, engage in their own foreign relations, or print and issue currency.
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Legislative Branch Of The Us Government
The legislative branch drafts proposed laws, confirms or rejects presidential nominations for heads of federal agencies, federal judges, and the Supreme Court, and has the authority to declare war. This branch includes Congress and special agencies and offices that provide support services to Congress. American citizens have the right to vote for Senators and Representatives through free, confidential ballots.
Where Limited Government Works
Limited government intrusion economically and socially works best in societies where private property rights are respected and contracts are enforced, ensuring a high degree of voluntary cooperation. People need property rights to determine resource ownership, cooperate with one another and plan for the future. People also need enforceable contracts to encourage trust, settle disputes, and protect and transfer property rights. Sociologists have also argued that ethnically and religiously homogeneous societies are best able to survive with limited government.
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State Tribal And Local Governments
State governments have the greatest influence over most Americans’ daily lives. The Tenth Amendment prohibits the federal government from exercising any power not delegated to it by the Constitution as a result, states handle the majority of issues most relevant to individuals within their jurisdiction. Because state governments are not authorized to print currency, they generally have to raise revenue through either taxes or bonds. As a result, state governments tend to impose severe budget cuts or raise taxes any time the economy is faltering.
Each state has its own written constitution, government and code of laws. The Constitution stipulates only that each state must have, “a Republican Government”. Therefore, there are often great differences in law and procedure between individual states, concerning issues such as property, crime, health and education, amongst others. The highest elected official of each state is the Governor, with below him being the Lieutenant Governor. Each state also has an elected state legislature , whose members represent the voters of the state. Each state maintains its own state court system. In some states, supreme and lower court justices are elected by the people in others, they are appointed, as they are in the federal system.
