Unit 3: The Legislative Branch Relationship Between Legislative and Executive Branches

Relationship Between Legislative and Executive Branches Main Idea: Differing Legislative Agendas Notes: The Executive and Legislative Branches have a unique relationship, as both have priorities when it comes to law-making. The President has a specific agenda to help him carry out his responsibilities, such as making treaties, appointing Federal officials, and paying for expenses of the Executive Branch.

Relationship Between Legislative and Executive Branches Main Idea: Differing Legislative Agendas (cont’d.) Notes: These things require Congressional approval. Without the cooperation of the Legislative Branch the President’s job can become much more difficult. The Legislative Branch is constantly creating bills that they would like to become laws. Yet, without the President’s signature, this becomes much more difficult.

Relationship Between Legislative and Executive Branches Main Idea: Differing Constituencies Notes: People elect Presidents based on what they feel he/she may do for our nation as a whole. Therefore, Presidents usually have a broader scope and feel obligated to serve the whole nation, not just one section.

Relationship Between Legislative and Executive Branches Main Idea: Differing Constituencies (cont’d.) Notes: In contrast, representatives in Congress are elected based on their potential to enact policies that will have a narrower effect—benefiting their respective states and/or districts, rather than the whole nation. This means they usually feel much different obligations.

Relationship Between Legislative and Executive Branches Main Idea: Differing Timetables Notes: Because of term limits, Presidents only have 4-8 years to get legislation passed. Because Congress does not have term limits, members sometimes may be slow to move on legislation that the President is backing—which may cause some tension.

Relationship Between Legislative and Executive Branches Main Idea: Checks and Balances Notes: The system of checks and balances further causes tension between the Executive and Legislative Branches. The veto power of the President and the ability to override the veto by Congress, can cause deadlock and quite a bit of debate.

Relationship Between Legislative and Executive Branches Main Idea: Political Parties Control of the Executive and Legislative Branches Notes: It is rare that the President’s political party controls both the House and the Senate. Because of this, political differences can seriously impede government progress.