Summary
Summary Constitution model essay question
- Module
- Politics
- Institution
- PEARSON (PEARSON)
model Essay on the USA/s constitution
[Show more]
Seller
Follow
Content preview
Evaluate the extent to which the constitution achieves its aims of sharing power among thediffering bodies (30 marks)
Checks and balances
Checks and balances ensure all agencies can limit one another e.g. president's power of veto
over congress/ sc being able to overrule president's executive orders e.g. obama's gun
legislation
Link to this helping the separation of powers
However arguments around imperial president/congress show that a strong executive can
overpower other 2 chambers, as well as this sc has judicial supremacy over other 2 institutions
able to rule laws incompatible despite not having mandate showing that checks and balances
can be seen as unfair leading to unfair power sharing
Separation of powers
Unlike in UK in the USA the judiciary, executive and legislature are all separate
This means that no single individual or party can dominate all 3 meaning that there must be
compromise and power must be shared between bodies
Link to how this gives state power through them having control of the 2 legislative chambers
However, this can limit the legislative process as a president with a clear mandate can be struck
down by an unelected legislature, as well as a dominant president with control of both chambers
giving too much power due to the high levels of partisanship within the USA e.g. bush had a
huge majority and therefore could make sweeping economic and military spending changes
Federalism
Due to the nature of the constitution, entrenchment ensures state power cannot be taken away
without a ⅔ majority vote in both chambers, e.g. interstate commerce clause protects interstate
trade. States also have powers to raise issues to the SC
Link to checks and balances
However,over time it can be seen state power has eroded, executive has taken control of things
such as taxation and federal spending.Power is not shared evenly due to the fact the executive
holds power over state legislature through the use of EO’s ect therefore constitution does not
effectively protect state rights
The benefits of buying summaries with Stuvia:
Guaranteed quality through customer reviews
Stuvia customers have reviewed more than 700,000 summaries. This how you know that you are buying the best documents.
Quick and easy check-out
You can quickly pay through credit card for the summaries. There is no membership needed.
Focus on what matters
Your fellow students write the study notes themselves, which is why the documents are always reliable and up-to-date. This ensures you quickly get to the core!
Frequently asked questions
What do I get when I buy this document?
You get a PDF, available immediately after your purchase. The purchased document is accessible anytime, anywhere and indefinitely through your profile.
Satisfaction guarantee: how does it work?
Our satisfaction guarantee ensures that you always find a study document that suits you well. You fill out a form, and our customer service team takes care of the rest.
Who am I buying these notes from?
Stuvia is a marketplace, so you are not buying this document from us, but from seller yesitsjake. Stuvia facilitates payment to the seller.
Will I be stuck with a subscription?
No, you only buy these notes for £3.49. You're not tied to anything after your purchase.
Can Stuvia be trusted?
4.6 stars on Google & Trustpilot (+1000 reviews)
67474 documents were sold in the last 30 days
Founded in 2010, the go-to place to buy revision notes and other study material for 14 years now