Constitutional Underpinnings: A Cartoon Analysis

The cartoon I am analyzing is wildcard #1 of Constitutional Underpinnings. This cartoon symbolizes how our federal government is set up. In football, linebackers of opposing teams always tackle each other. This represents clashing of the Congress and the executive branch. Not only that, but in football games, sometimes one side overpowers the other. Similarly, during policymaking process or conflicts, sometimes, the Congress gives in or the president gives into pressure. For example, when the Congress had threatened to impeach Nixon, he stepped down. On the other hand, president Obama could use public approval rating to help the legislation get passed. The referees also represent the judicial branch. Referees determine whether a certain play abide by the rules. Likewise, federal judges or Supreme Court justices review legislations or actions and declare them unconstitutional or constitutional based on the U.S. Constitution, which is what the referees are reading in the cartoon. Also, this cartoon symbolizes balance of powers among these three branches. In sports, referees’ decisions or how the game …show more content…
Each football player represents a power that a branch possesses. For instance, linebackers of the Legislative Lions have labels, such as: “spend money”, “make new courts”, “impeach officials”, “reject appointments”, “introduce amendments”, and “override veto.” On the opposite side of the line, the Executive Eagles have these labels: “pardon lawbreakers”, “call special sessions”, “recommend officials”, and “veto bills.” The cartoonist inserted these labels to help the readers understand enumerated powers that the three legislative branches possess. Although it is not directly label what the judicial branch does, the readers can still figure out its role based on “U.S. Constitution” and the fact that they are referees. Judicial branch makes decisions based on the U.S. Constitution and judges laws’ or actions’