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Which Branch Of The Federal Government Is The Most Powerful

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Which branch of the U.S. federal government is the most powerful? This question cannot simply be answered as “This branch is the most powerful”, as the powers have shifted over time and throughout the United States history. James Madison referred to the Legislative branch as a “impetuous vortex” in the Federalist papers, and the framers believed this branch would be the most likely threat to the balance of powers between the branches. This was the reason the enumerated powers were created and Congress was separated into two chambers with different methods of election and terms of service, and gave the President the ability to veto to round of the power. However, that veto can be overridden by Congress. The final check is always held by Congress, the Supreme court can declare a bill unconstitutional but Congress can change the court’s jurisdiction and prevent the bill from ever being subject to judicial review. Congress can also remove a President or Supreme Court Justice, but either …show more content…

The Supreme Court had power in defining the scope and boundaries of parts of the constitution in the early 19th century, but after that their power waned, thus the judicial branch is seen as the weakest of branches. Beginning in the 20th century the power of the president has increased quite a bit. This makes the executive branch the one seen as having the most influence and power at this time. As we have seen with the Bush administration, he pushed for the declaration of wars, and pushed forth articles that would give himself and the military the power he needed to execute his plans. As with the warrantless, unauthorized spying with the NSA, President Bush admitted to being at the forefront of these actions and had no excuse or reasoning other than he had the power so he could do as he

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