Which branch of government is the most powerful? Why do you think so?

Answer 1

When you break down the actual power that is instilled in each branch, the answer is fairly obvious.

It seems as if the the folks who have answered think that it is clearly the Judicial Branch, but they couldn't be more wrong. If anything, the Judicial Branch has the least amount of authority in the federal government. The Supreme Court, in fact, has only implied power. The High Court acquired the ability to deem a law unconstitutional via one of their own rulings in 1803 (Marbury vs, Madison); nowhere in the Constitution of the United States does it authorize the power of judicial review to the Supreme Court. Furthermore, the Court can only rule on cases brought before them by parties with a standing concern (i.e., individuals who are being directly and immediately affected by the law). If the case never reaches their courtroom, all the Supreme Court can do is sit idley by and watch from the sidelines. As far as the preconception that a Court ruling not being able to be overturned, that's not entirely accurate. The Congress, from time to time, can regulate and make exceptions to Supreme Court decisions, in particular where it pertains to the Court's appellate jurisdiction.

You would have to list the the Executive Branch as a pretender as well, considering that The Congress can supercede nearly every decision that the President can make. His veto powered is neutered by the fact that Congress can simply override and institute any law that the President strikes down, Presidential appointments are subject to approval by both Houses, and his job security is determined largley at their discretion.

The Legislative Branch, without a doubt, holds all the cards in this discussion.They write our laws, levy our taxes, declare our wars, confirm our Supreme Court Justices and Cabinet Officials, decide how the federal money is spent, amongst a plothera of other actionable powers. In addition to their great many capabilities, as it concerns this discussion, Congress has the authority to impeach and dismiss the occupants of the other 2 branches. This, above all else, makes the Legislative Branch, undoubtedly, the most powerful of the three.

Answer 2

Most Powerful Branch Of Government

Answer 3

No branch is more powerful than another. They are all made that way for a purpose the legislative makes the laws, the executive enforces, and judicial interprets.

Answer 4

Technically, none of the branches are supposed to be more powerful..you know, checks and balances? I definitely don't think the legislative or executive branches could be called the most powerful, anything either of them does can be refuted by another. However, the judicial branch, (the Supreme Court), can overturn anything by either, and as far as I know, NO ONE can overturn a Supreme Court ruling...so really they have the most power. I just don't really see them use it that much.

And I was thinking all this at the Federal level, I don't know that it holds true with state & local governments...

Answer 5

Honestly i had always believed it is the Judiciary but reading from Dmack the answer couldn't be more obvious,now i know it is the legislative.

Answer 6

While none of the branches are supposed to have more power than the others, I believe that the Judiciary system does, especially the Supreme Court. They can decide the outcome of elections when challenged. They can rule whether or not laws & amendments to the Constitution (passed by Congress) are unconstitutional, their ruling set judicial precedence, so something ruled by them is law, even 100 years down the road, among many other powers.

The only checks they have against them are:
1. They are nominated by the President, and the Senate must approve, and
2. They can be removed by Congress, but only by 2/3rds vote.

Sounds pretty cushy to me. Also, when the Supreme Court makes a decision, their official decision (on paper) ends with "It is so ordered". How cool is that?

Answer 7

All the branches have equal power and importantence

Answer 8

The Executive Branch is the most powerful branch of government. In raw size and budget, the Executive Branch exponentially dwarfs the other branches of government. With respect to control over the US Treasury and the Pentagon, there is no other branch of government (or any other foreign government) that even comes close to the financial and military power wielded by the White House.

Answer 9

One that listens to the people.So no one in the UK.The ONLY way to put the UK in to recovery mode and win the next election.
INCOME.
1/ New legislation to stop tax avoidance and close tax loopholes is VITAL.Money paid in the UK and profits made in the UK should be taxed in the UK.This alone would get rid of the deficit and return the AAA rating.But this would mean the elite tax dodgers would share in austerity measures so is unlikely as selfish greed rules the UK..
2/Stop paying benefits for children not living in this country.Many of which do not exist.
3/Foreign aid must be cut to 2 billion pounds .This is still generous while people in the UK going cold and hungry.
4/Pension contributions tax allowance should not exceed 20% and be capped at £7000 per year.As now the rich get 45%.
5/ISAS were created to encourage savings and should be stopped.There are many savings accounts offered with better interest rates and it is unfair that the lower paid save 20% on their interest when the people who do not need it save 45% on their interest.
6/The UK is over populated and immigration must be reduced to no more than the numbers leaving the UK.Immigration must also be more selective and only young English speaking and qualified people allowed in.
7/To receive benefits people must have worked for 2 years unless they are incapable. Working as an apprentice or on a training scheme would qualify.
8/People who commit crime for money must have money taken away from them.This includes politicians.
9/The numbers of MP,s ,Lords and councilors must be cut by 33%.Government administration in the UK is the most expensive in the world and MUST be cut.
10/The result of an EU in out referendum must be brought forward so industry can regain confidence and European immigration controlled.
11/ Empty or second houses should not have reduced rates .
12/With three months notice the government must stop feeding methadone to people .This is just used to top up heroin at a cost of over 90 million pounds per year.
13/A new tax band should be introduced for obscene wages of 60% for earnings over £500000 PA and a limit of £250000 for all public paid employees including the BBC and Councillors.etc.
14/Heating allowance should be put on state pension for over 65,s only and so taxed.
15/Government should invest in new power stations.Not foreign investors.Coal fired power stations are now clean and green.
16/ALL government contracts should be given to UK business but not any using offshore tax havens..
17/ Cancel the rail line no one wants and with this money build 3 power stations.
Expenditure.
1/.Stamp duty should be stopped for houses of less value than £250000.The environment survey should be stopped.This would create a housing building boom and many thousands of jobs.
2/Business rates should be capped for the next 5 years.
3/The minimum wage should be increased to £8.50 per hour and pensions increased to a living wage.This is not as expensive as it sounds as this will save billions in top up money [benefits] and help with a consumer led recovery.
4/The government should give a date for the end of PPI claims .It is very important the banks come back to strength as soon as possible.
5/Employers NI should be phased out .It is silly we tax business for employing people.
The above should be done now before more damage is done.

Answer 10

the judicial branch has the most power because they can put people in jail like Obama for say if he had a fake birth certificate