Question

Please explain in your own words, what authorities does the Federal Government have? Please don't copy paste from a website.

Answer 1

Federal Government - A Federal Government is a Government in which powers are divided between the National Government and the Regional Governments by the Constitution Itself. Both the Central and the State Government operate in their respective jurisdictions independently. In the federal Model, the national Government is known as Federal Government or Central Government or the Union Government and the Regional Government is known as the State Government or the Provincial Government.

Features of Federal Government -

1. Dual Government.
2. Written Constitution.
3. Division of Powers between the National and Regional Government.
4. Supremacy of the Constitution.
5. Rigid Constitution.
6. Independent Judiciary.
7. Bicameral Legislature.

The United States is the first and the oldest Federation in the world. It was formed in 1787 followed by American Revolution (1775-83). It Comprises of 50 States and is taken as the model of Federation. The Canadian Federation, comprising 10 provinces is also one of the oldest formed in 1867.

As far as various authorities of The Federal Government comes under three major areas -

1. Legislative Power.
2. Executive Power.
3. Judicial Power.

Authority No.1 - Powers of Congress - This comes under the Legislative power of the Government. The power to levy taxes, Money and its regulatory, Establishment of public services, Create Federal Courts under the Umbrella of The Supreme Court, Regulating the Land and the Naval forces, Prevent waste and fraud, protection of civil Liberties, Ensure Executive compliance.

Authority No.2 - The President - This comes under Executive power. The President is the head of the executives and various power have been delegated to him. The President is both head of the State as well as the Government. The President is accorded with the Constitution and is liable to take care of the laws to be faithfully executed and Preserve, Protect and Defend the Constitution of the Country. The President also acts as the head of the Army and has the power to Guide them for war in case of threat to National Integrity and war like situations.

Authority No. 3 - The Vice President - He is the second highest official rank of the Federal Government. Acts as the designated presiding officer of the Senate. The Vice President acts as ex-Officio to the President in his absence.He has the regular duties vested as the head of the Legislative Branch.

Authority No.4 - Cabinet, Executive Departments and the Agencies - These authorities are responsible for the day-to-day administration of the Federal Laws and their correct enforcement. There are various Cabinet Officers those are delegated with various responsibilities. All the Executive Officers serve under the pleasure of the President. There are departments of the Government that are decentralized to take care of the different segments of the Functioning of the Government. These include The White House, The National Security Council, The Office of the Management and the Budget, the Council of Economic Advisers, The Council on Environmental Quality, The Office of the Trade Representatives, The Office of National Drug Control, Office of the Science and Technology.

Authority No.5 - The Supreme Court - The Supreme Court of the country is the head of the federal courts and the various provincial and district courts. The Judgement of the Supreme court is active upon the matters pertaining to the Federal Government, Disputes between the states and Interpretation of the United States Constitution.

Authority No.6 - The State and The Local Government - The States have their own authority according to the issues and various other individual concerns on regional basis. The state Government is not authorized to print currency so they raise revenue through taxes and bonds. Though Integrated every state has its own Constitution, Government and Laws. The major focus areas of states are property, Crime, Health care services and education.