Outline of U.S. Legal System
December 2004
This Outline covers the history and organization of the federal and state judicial systems; the criminal and civil court processes; the background, qualifications, and selection of federal judges; the role of other participants (lawyers, defendants, interest groups) in the judicial process; and the implementation and impact of judicial policies.
Inside This Publication
In Depth
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Each branch of the federal government exercises specific powers:
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The executive branch implements laws and coordinates defense. The president is assisted by an elected vice president, the Cabinet and other officials. Laws must be signed by the president to take effect. If the president chooses to reject (veto) a bill, a two-thirds majority vote in Congress can override that veto. Only the executive branch can negotiate treaties.
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The judicial branch consists of the Supreme Court, the nation’s highest court, and federal district courts and courts of appeal. Courts make findings of fact, set procedures, interpret laws and determine whether laws violate the Constitution -- a power known as judicial review, which restricts the powers of the legislative and executive branches.
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The legislative branch is Congress, in which authorities and responsibilities are divided between the Senate, where each state has equal representation, and the House of Representatives, where the size of state delegations is based on population. Only Congress can enact laws; only Congress can levy taxes; and only Congress can authorize spending of federal funds.
Feature
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U.S. Federal Register
The Code of Federal Regulations, created by the various departments and agencies of the executive branch, is the true workhorse of U.S. democracy. Find out more about the daily Federal Register's collection of executive orders, proclamations and rule-makings.