IndexLegislative DepartmentJudicial DepartmentRole and Structure of the CourtThe Advantages of FederalismSelf-GovernmentDisadvantage of Federalism Legislative Department Each state and federal administrative region shall have a unicameral legislature. Each state legislature shall be composed of three (3) representatives from each province and each city located within the territorial boundaries of the state who shall be elected by the members of the Sangguniang panlalawigan and the Sangguniang panlunsod from among their members. Furthermore, as per the next review, three representatives from the farmers, fishermen and elderly sectors will be nominated and appointed. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay Judicial Department The third branch of the federal government, the judiciary, is made up of a system of courts spread throughout the country, headed by the Supreme Court of the United States. A system of state courts existed before the Constitution was written. There was considerable controversy among delegates to the Constitutional Convention over whether a federal judicial system was necessary and whether it should supplant state courts. As with other issues under discussion, a compromise was reached whereby state courts are retained, while the Constitution provided for a federal judiciary with limited powers. Article III of the Constitution establishes the basis of the federal judicial system: The judicial power of the United States shall be vested in a Supreme Court, and in such inferior courts as the Congress may from time to time ordain and establish. The power of the federal courts extends both to civil actions for damages and other remedies and to criminal cases arising under federal law. Article III gave rise to a complex set of relationships between state and federal courts. Typically, federal courts do not hear cases arising under individual state laws. However, some cases over which federal courts have jurisdiction may also be heard and decided by state courts. Both judicial systems therefore have exclusive jurisdiction in some areas and concurrent jurisdiction in others. The Constitution safeguards the independence of the judiciary by providing that federal judges serve "during good behavior" - in practice, until death, retirement or resignation, although a judge who commits a crime while in office can be placed impeached in the same way as the president or other federal government officials. US judges are nominated by the president and confirmed by the Senate. Congress also determines the pay scale of judges. Role and Structure of the Court The federal judiciary operates separately from the executive and legislative branches, but often collaborates with them as the Constitution requires. Federal laws are passed by Congress and signed by the President. The judiciary decides the constitutionality of federal laws and resolves other disputes over federal laws. However, judges depend on the executive branch of our government to enforce court decisions. The courts decide what really happened and what should be done about it. They decide whether a person has committed a crime and what the punishment should be. They also provide a peaceful way to resolve private disputes that people cannot resolve on their own. Depending on the dispute or crime, some cases end up in federal courts and others in state courts. The benefits of federalism Better understanding The central government does not have effective tools to understand what problems and what changes need to be made in each area.