Federal Government

The United States of America was the first country to adopt a federal system for their government. This form of government, that allows national government and the state government to share powers and obtain authority from its people, was created to deal with many of the problems that occurred under the Articles of Confederation. Being affected by the rule of English kings, the Framers feared centralizing power in one government. Therefore, they made both the state and the federal government responsible to the people of their country. While the governments shared some powers, like the ability to tax, each government was dominant in certain areas.
The Framers concern for Congress’s authority was to create a legislative body that would be able to make laws and raise and spend revenues. The Constitution gives Congress its most important powers. No bill or proposed law can become a law without the consent of the two houses. Congress may even use their power to review actions taken by the president. To help the president enforce laws passed by Congress, the Constitution authorizes him to appoint, with the advice and consent of the Senate. The Constitution requires the president to inform the Congress periodically of the State of the Union and authorizes the president to assemble Congress. The president’s power to make treaties with foreign nations is checked by the Constitution’s requirements that all treaties must be approved by at least two thirds of the members of Senate. The president has the ability to get around the constitutional consent of the Senates requirement for formal international agreements by executive agreements. This allows an easier way for the president to administer to foreign affairs without the approval of the Senate. The president has authority to act to defend the country in case of a threat; however, Congress can be involved with the decision by allowing military action. Congress has the power to declare war; due to the Framers decision on