Civics 101: Trump wants to eliminate the Three CO-EQUAL Branches of Government
The History and Importance of Their Independence
Issue #829 The Choice, Tuesday, March 25, 2025
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The administration of the #ConvictedFelon and his co-president, the #UnelectedOligarch, has only been in office for about ten weeks, but it is already obvious that these people either do not know or do not care about the constitutionally mandated separation of powers and the independence of the co-equal branches of government.
Particularly, this administration frequently ignores the rulings of the federal and district judges and frequently attempts to overstep the powers of Congress.
As many of you know, I was educated through the Detroit Public Schools from kindergarten through 12th grade, and I also taught all grades in public schools throughout my career as an educator.
I learned about the three co-equal branches of government when I was in school, and I taught my students this same information when I was a teacher.
Our Founders, who were certainly flawed but still devised our unique democratic republic, were ensuring that “We the People” would not have a king or any one person with unlimited powers.
The United States Constitution, ratified in 1788, established three distinct and co-equal branches of government: the Legislative, Executive, and Judicial branches. The order of the branches’ listing was also deliberate.
The first Congress under the new Constitution began on March 4, 1789. This separation of powers is fundamental to ensuring a system of checks and balances, preventing any single branch from gaining too much power.
Legislative Branch: Article I of the Constitution establishes the Legislative Branch, which is responsible for making laws. It is a bicameral body consisting of the House of Representatives and the Senate. The Legislative Branch's independence is crucial as it ensures that the laws and policies reflect the will of the people. As representatives of the public, legislators must act independently to debate and create laws that address the needs and concerns of their constituents. The Trump administration is actively trying to reduce the powers of Congress in order to expand its own executive powers, especially the “power of the purse" that is assigned exclusively to the House of Representatives, the "People's House.”
Executive Branch: Established under Article II, the Executive Branch is responsible for enforcing the laws passed by Congress. It is headed by the President, who acts as the Commander-in-Chief of the armed forces and holds various powers, including veto power over legislation. The independence of the Executive Branch is important to provide leadership and direction for national policy, implement laws effectively, and maintain the separation needed to prevent legislative encroachment on executive functions. Notice that the President does not make laws but is tasked with enforcing the laws made by Congress. (See “School House Rock: I'm just a bill…”)
Judicial Branch: Article III establishes the Judicial Branch, which interprets the laws and ensures they align with the Constitution. It is led by the Supreme Court and other federal courts. Judicial independence is vital as it allows for unbiased interpretation of laws, free from political pressure. This ensures that justice is administered fairly and that individual rights are protected against potential government overreach.
The independence of each branch is essential to maintain a balance of power, where each branch can operate autonomously yet collaboratively, ensuring a government that is accountable and reflective of democratic principles.
Our Choice: So far, many of the federal judges are the only ones attempting to stop the Trump Administration from this power grab.
If you remember, from November 6 (the day after the election) through January 2 (the last day of the previous Congress), President Joe Biden and the Democratic Senate Majority appointed several new Federal judges to have them ready for such a time as this.
But “We the People” are using massive protests and overflow town halls to remind our representatives who works for whom.
Until we get to the place where we can try and remove these administration officials who are breaking the law and ignoring the Constitution, we have to keep up the pressure.
What can YOU do during these unprecedented times?
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It was nice to understand Civics 101 for a change.
You left out dictator …