MAPP501 - WEEK 4 - Weekly Reading Notes

MAPP501: Week 4 – Branches of
Government
American Public University




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,History of the Three Branches of Government:...............................................5
Of the Spirit of Laws; Book 9 – Chapter 6:.......................................................6
I. Three Types of Governmental Power......................................................6
II. Conditions for Political Freedom.............................................................6
Dangers to Freedom................................................................................6
III. Examples of Power Structures...............................................................6
IV. Judicial Authority...................................................................................7
V. On Representation and Legislative Authority........................................7
VI. Checks and Balances............................................................................7
VII. Military Power......................................................................................8
VIII. On Legislative Sessions and Corruption..............................................8
IX. Exceptions to Judicial Independence.....................................................8
X. The Ideal Government Structure............................................................8
XI. Risks to Freedom..................................................................................9
XII. Historical Influence and Endurance......................................................9
XIII. Moderation vs. Extremes....................................................................9
📎 Summary of Key Principles:.....................................................................9
📎 APA Citation:..........................................................................................10
Forms of Municipal Government....................................................................11
I. Definition and Function of a Municipal Charter.....................................11
II. Forms of Municipal Government..........................................................11
1. Council-Manager...............................................................................11
2. Mayor-Council...................................................................................11
3. Commission.......................................................................................12
4. Town Meeting....................................................................................12
5. Representative Town Meeting...........................................................12
III. Current Trends in Municipal Governance............................................13
IV. Government Forms in the 30 Most Populous U.S. Cities (2010 Census)
.................................................................................................................13
V. Theoretical and Practical Implications.................................................13
VI. Key Sources for Further Research.......................................................14

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, APA Citation:............................................................................................14
The Whitehouse: Our Government................................................................15
I. The Executive Branch..............................................................................15
I. Constitutional Foundation.....................................................................15
II. Core Functions and Powers of the President........................................15
III. Structure of the Executive Branch......................................................16
IV. The Vice Presidency............................................................................16
V. Institutional Practices & Traditions......................................................16
VI. Summary of Roles...............................................................................17
II. The Legislative Branch............................................................................18
I. Constitutional Foundation........................................................................18
II. Structure of Congress.............................................................................18
House of Representatives........................................................................18
Senate......................................................................................................18
III. Legislative Process.................................................................................19
Introduction and Committee Work...........................................................19
Floor Debate and Voting..........................................................................19
Conference Committee............................................................................19
Presidential Action...................................................................................20
IV. Powers of Congress................................................................................20
Legislative Powers....................................................................................20
Checks and Balances...............................................................................20
V. Government Oversight...........................................................................20
Congressional Oversight Mechanisms......................................................20
Government Accountability Office (GAO).................................................21
Inspectors General (IGs)...........................................................................21
VI. Summary Chart......................................................................................21
III. The Judicial Branch.................................................................................22
I. Constitutional Foundation and Structure.................................................22
II. Organization of the Federal Judiciary......................................................22


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