Russ Feingold: “every day children across this country learn about the role of their Government and how it is intended to function. I…”

“every day children across this country learn about the role of their Government and how it is intended to function. I have also collected a handful of textbooks used by children from elementary school up through high school to see what they have to say about the role of Government. In looking at these books, I notice that each of them at different reading levels discuss the Government as a whole, the importance of the Constitution as the foundation of our Government, and the importance of checks and balances and separation of powers. Each of these books, at whatever learning level or reading level, teaches that the Government does not have endless, unchecked powers over the people it is intended to protect. I started my presentation after cloture was invoked by reading the Constitution of the United States. I wish to conclude for now by reading a very brief portion of one of these books. It is entitled ``National Government, a Kids' Guide.'' ``Separation of Powers.'' The people who wrote the U.S. Constitution wanted to make sure that the leaders of the government did not have too much power. The writers spread the power among three separate branches of government that work together to govern the country. This is called separation of powers. The executive branch is lead by the president of the United States. This part of the government is responsible for making sure the laws are carried out, or executed.…”