Separation of Powers
Definition
Separation of Powers refers to dividing governmental responsibilities into distinct branches (legislative, executive, judicial) preventing any one branch from gaining too much power.
Analogy
Imagine separation of powers like splitting chores among siblings. One sibling does laundry (legislative makes laws), another cooks dinner (executive enforces laws), while another cleans up after dinner (judicial interprets laws). Each has their own task but they all contribute to running the household smoothly.
Related terms
Checks and Balances: This system ensures that each branch of government has powers to limit or check the other two, preventing any one branch from becoming too powerful.
Veto: This is a power used by the executive branch (the president) to reject legislation passed by the legislative branch (Congress).
Judicial Review: This is a process under which executive or legislative actions are subject to review by the judiciary (courts).
"Separation of Powers" appears in:
Study guides (3)
Practice Questions (9)
What is the purpose of the Separation of Powers principle?
What does separation of powers refer to?
How did the US Constitution address the key challenge faced by the Articles of Confederation regarding lack of separation of powers?
Which French philosopher's idea was borrowed in framing US constitution's concept of separation of powers?
What term best defines the separation of powers among three branches of government?
What action exemplifies the principle of "separation of powers" in the U.S. government?
What is a direct result of the constitutional principle of separation of powers?
What concept is best described as the separation of powers among different branches of government?
Why does separation of powers continue to be an integral part of American politics?
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