In the real world, most of us are held accountable for what we do — or fail to do in our work. When we do a bad job, we know there are likely to be consequences. If we continue to do a bad job, we know we may lose our job. Sometimes it seems as if our elected representatives are not held to the same standard. Perhaps this is because most Americans don’t really know what their representatives do (or are supposed to do).
If you hire someone to mow your lawn, it is likely that you will want to see the job well done before you pay. Our elected representatives draw a handsome salary and enjoy great benefits, so how can we say with certainty that they are doing a good job?
First, we must understand what it is they are supposed to be doing, and we must then decide how well they are doing it. Remember; just like the guy who mows the lawn, these people work for you! With that in mind, you have both a right, and a responsibility to ensure that they are doing the job for which they were hired.
The following links provide resources to permit a thorough understanding of the Executive Branch of the U.S. Government (the Presidency), the Legislative Branch (the Senate and House of Representatives), and the Judicial Branch (the Courts, and the Supreme Court.
Simply stated, the Legislative Branch makes the laws, the Executive branch enacts or executes the laws, and the Judicial Branch interprets the laws. These three branches of government provide checks and balances to ensure that no one branch — no one part of the U.S. Government has the ability to unilaterally seize control of the nation.
The White House
This is the official site of The White House, representing the Executive Branch of the Government. Currently Barack Obama is serving as President, and the site reflects those priorities that he has set forth for his administration. The site also provides a wealth of information regarding the history of the White House and the Presidency, as well as links to many other Federal Agencies and Resources.
Organizing for America — BarackObama.com
A project of the Democratic National Committee, OFA’s stated goal is to “build on the movement that elected President Obama by empowering communities across the country to bring about our agenda of change.” The site presents the various initiatives of the Obama Administration, promotes active volunteerism, and encourages a positive view of America.
The United States Senate
Official website of the United States Senate. Includes links to individual Senators Home pages, Active Legislation, Votes, Committees, Legislation & Records, and the Legislative Calendar. Website also includes information on Artwork housed in the Capitol Building, as well as historical biographies of past Senators, and a history of the Senate.
The United States House of Representatives
Official website of the U.S. House of Representatives. Comprehensive Information on the lower body of the federal legislature, information on the legislative process, this week’s House calendar, committee schedules, roll call votes and member biographies. Also provides links to U.S. Laws; Past, Current, and Pending Legislation, Representative and Committee websites, and information about the Capitol.
Annenberg Classroom — Life of a Law
Resources for both teachers and students showing how laws are made in the United States. Multiple video presentations, including “How a Bill Becomes a Federal Law” (19 min.), “The Making of a Law” (20 min.), and a Video Discussion on Presidential Signing Statements that includes “Separation of Powers” (10 min.), “Selective Non-enforcement” (12 min.), “Unitary Power of the Executive” (10 min), and “Intent” (10 min.).
The U.S. Supreme Court
Website of the U.S. Supreme Court. The website has information regarding Recent Decisions, an overview of the Court, Biographies of current Justices, Members of the Supreme Court, and Information on the Supreme Court Building. Also has the Docket, Oral Arguments, Merits Briefs, Court Rules, Opinions, and Orders.
Annenberg Institute for Civics — The Courts
This is a graphic representation of the United States Federal Courts System, with interactive videos by prominent Justices providing information on each of the major courts, and demonstrating how a case can be appealed upwards through the system to the United States Supreme Court.
