Who Enforces The Laws? (Analyzed!)

Who Enforces The Laws

The executive arm of the government is responsible for enforcing the laws. The government is responsible for different laws in society, and it is made possible by its different branches. However, these branches do not carry out the same duties.

The three branches of government are:

1. The legislative branch

2. The executive branch 

3. The judiciary branch 

In this article, we will further explain the duties of each arm of the government related to the law. 

However, when it comes to law enforcement, you can always bank on the executive branch as it is their duty.

Now that you know the different branches of the government, below is a table showing the years they were created.

Government BranchYear Created
Executive Branch 1939
Legislative Branch 1789
Judiciary Branch 1789

What Are The Three Branches Of Government?

As already stated earlier, there are three branches of government, and they have different responsibilities. However, the executive branch of government enforces the laws. 

Here is a more detailed explanation of each of the branches of government.

Executive Branch 

The executive branch of government is headed by the president and has the vice-president onboard if the president isn’t available. 

It should be common knowledge that the president is the head of state and head of government of the United States. In addition, he is also the commander-in-chief of the armed forces of the United States. So, with the executive branch, power is vested upon the president to help implement and enforce the law made by congress.

Under the executive branch of government, you have:

1. The office of the president 

2. The president’s advisory council

3. Federal agencies

4. The USA government, etc. 

It may seem like all power is vested upon the president when it concerns laws, but that isn’t the case. Instead, the president acts as an overseer and must ensure that he does not encroach into the duties of other branches of government. 

Therefore, we see that the president is only in charge of ensuring that the established laws occur. So, the president ensures that structures are in place like law enforcement agencies to ensure that these laws are enforced. 

Also, it would not be inappropriate to say that these law enforcement agents or their agency bodies report to the president according to the law that guides the executive branch. 

Legislative Branch 

If you have always been curious about the federal laws of the United States, it will interest you to know that it is the legislative branch that makes these laws. Therefore, one can also refer to the legislative branch as Congress.

They are the lawmakers of the United States. There will be no laws for the executive branch to enforce without them. 

Besides lawmaking, the legislative branch also has extended duties like presidential appointments. If Congress does not approve a presidential appointment, that person cannot come into power. For example, they can either confirm or reject a nomination for the federal judge of the United States. 

We also see that they can declare wars against other nations. And, it comes after a well-thought-out process and happens if they deem that it would benefit the United States. 

If there are erring federal officers, the Legislative branch is also in charge of impeaching and trying these officers. It is an important branch of government that we cannot overlook. 

As with other branches of government, the legislative branch has the interest of the United States at heart. Therefore, once the executive branch negotiates treaties that they feel will be helpful, they have to run it through the legislative branch for approval. Else, these treaties might not see the light of day. 

The legislative branch of government consists of the Senate and the House of Representatives. They are in charge of formulating the bills that eventually become laws.

Judicial Branch 

Some people refer to the judicial branch as the government’s legal arm, and they are not wrong. After all, the judicial branch is usually involved in various legal cases. 

The judicial branch of government has the primary role of interpreting the law. Therefore, once the legislative branch makes the law, the judicial branch interprets it in simpler terms, ensuring that the masses understand the law. Without them, most of the federal laws will be complicated. 

Also, this branch assists in hearing civil cases, settling legal disputes, and more. 

The Supreme Court and other federal courts are examples of institutions that make up the judicial branch. So, you can understand how they get involved in prosecution cases in the United States. 

The judicial branch also helps in protecting individuals and institutions. For example, when the legislative branch passes a law, the judicial branch determines if such laws go against the constitution. They will dispute the law and take it up with the legislative body if it does. So, we can say that the judicial branch acts as a protector. 

The federal Supreme Court stands as the highest court body in the United States. Also, there are currently nine Supreme Court judges in the United States, including the chief justice. 

The president usually appoints these judges or the chief justice, and the legislative branch has to approve such appointments. 

FAQs

Some of the frequent questions are:

Is The Government Responsible For Enforcing Laws?

Yes, the government is responsible for enforcing laws because the government is a part of the executive branch. The government refers to the president and his vice-president, making up the executive branch. Therefore, it is not wrong to say that they are responsible for enforcing laws as that is also the executive branch’s role. 

Who Maintained Law And Order?

In the United States, the Superintendent or Commissioner of Police maintains law and order. They head the Police unit, ensuring that everywhere is civil. They commit to protecting lives and properties. 

Who Makes And Enforces Laws In The US?

The legislative branch or Congress makes the laws in the United States. In contrast, the executive branch enforces the laws in the United States. 

Conclusion 

The executive branch enforces the laws, but it works in collaboration with other branches of government. 

When the legislative branch makes the laws, the judicial branch interprets them, and the executive branch enforces them.