How Government Works In The US, Checks & Balances

The Educational Presentation meeting, titled "How Government Works In The US, Checks & Balances" Introduces the fundamental workings of American governance. The session aimed to clarify the structure of the government and alleviate post-election tensions. It began with an overview of the three branches of government—Executive, Legislative, and Judicial—operating at both federal and state levels, emphasizing the checks and balances system. We further elaborated on these branches, detailing the roles of various agencies and the concept of bicameralism, alongside the emerging influence of media as a fourth branch. The meeting concluded with a discussion on the complexities of governance in contemporary society, including the independent actions of administrative agencies, public opinion, and the challenges posed by alternative media, all highlighting the difficulty of implementing significant changes within the system.

Introduction to American Governance (00:01 - 07:30)

Introduction on the topic: how governance works in America
Purpose: to explain the system and ease tensions post-election
Three main branches of government: Executive, Legislative, and Judicial
Each branch exists at both federal and state levels
Concept of checks and balances between branches

Branches of Government and Checks & Balances (07:30 - 16:30)

Executive Branch: President (federal), Governor (state)
Legislative Branch: Senate and House (federal), State Legislature (state)
Judicial Branch: Supreme Court, Circuit Courts, District Courts (federal)
Bicameralism: Two branches pass laws, subject to Supreme Court review
Fourth branch of government: News media (supposed to be watchdogs)
Administrative law agencies: EPA, FDA, FBI, SEC (federal level)
State-level agencies: CARB, NYDOL, NYSHRD, NYDEC

Governance Complexities and Modern Challenges (16:30 - 25:47)

Administrative agencies often act independently
Free market intended as a check on government power
Public opinion and protests as additional checks
Rise of alternative media (podcasts, social media) as new information sources
Complexity of governance makes drastic changes difficult
Discussion on celebrity nature of presidential position
Encouragement to understand the complexity of the system