DO YOU KNOW HOW YOUR GOVERNMENT WORKS?

By Zibora Gilder Feeling like too many people missed out on Schoolhouse Rock’s “I’m Just a Bill” or Yellow Pain’s rap on the branches of government? Here’s a refresher on how our government works and why your vote is vital in shaping our lives, especially in light of recent events in Texas. There are three branches of government: Executive, Legislative, and Judicial. The Executive Branch, including the President, governors, and mayors, is responsible for enforcing laws and managing public affairs. The Legislative Branch, comprising Senators, Congress members, and City Councils, creates laws that impact our daily lives, from social security benefits to healthcare. The Judicial Branch, which includes the Supreme Court, interprets laws and ensures they are constitutional. A lot of anger is often aimed at the President and local officials like the mayor and governor. However, they don’t create laws; they enforce them. For change to happen, it’s essential to pay attention to the Legislative Branch. Legislators make decisions on vital issues such as healthcare, education, and economic policies (rules that influence the economy, like taxes and government spending). For example, they decide on social security benefits, maternal health policies (critical because Black women face alarmingly high childbirth mortality...