Episode 10 "Three Ring Government"
Singer: Lynn Ahrens
Song Writer: Bob Dorough
Original Air Date: February 3, 1979
This song uses a three-ring circus to show how the three branches check and balance the powers of the United States Government.
Going to have a three-ring circus someday
People will say it's a fine one, son
Going to have a three-ring circus someday
People will come from miles around
Lions, tigers, acrobats, and jugglers and clowns galore
Tightrope walkers, pony riders, elephants, and so much more
Guess I got the idea right here at school
Felt like a fool when they called my name
Talking about the government and how it's arranged
Divided in three like a circus
Ring one, Executive
Two is Legislative, that's Congress
Ring three, Judiciary
See it's kind of like my circus, circus
Step right up and visit ring number one
The show's just begun, meet the President
I am here to see that the laws get done
The ringmaster of the government
On with the show!
Hurry, hurry, hurry to ring number two
See what they do in the Congress
Passing laws and juggling bills
Oh, it's quite a thrill in the Congress
Focus your attention on ring number three
The Judiciary's in the spotlight
The courts take the law and they tame the crimes
Balancing the wrongs with your rights
No one part can be
More powerful than any other is
Each controls the other you see
And that's what we call checks and balances
Well, everybody's act is part of the show
And no one's job is more important
The audience is kind of like the country you know
Keeping and eye on their performance
Ring one, Executive
Two is Legislative, that's Congress
Ring three, Judiciary
See it's kind of like my circus, circus
Going to have a three-ring circus someday
People will say it's a fine one, son
But until I get it, I'll do my thing
With government, it's got three rings