The Separation of Powers/ The System of Checks and Balances By: Justin Cozzone The Separation of Powers/ The System of Checks and Balances

What is this System? Definition: The term separation of powers means that the three branches of government -Legislative, Judicial and Executive – each have powers that can prevent one the other branches from becoming too powerful. Simple Definition: Separation of powers basically means that the three branches of the U.S government can prevent another branches’ action. How this Affects YOU: This affects you because if one branch became too powerful, they would always get their way. This would turn the country into a dictatorship, and since most dictators don’t care about anyone but them, the country would become dilapidated.

Powers of the Executive Branch The executive branch has these ‘checks’ over the legislative branch: The president has the veto power (can cancel laws) The president has the ability to call special sessions of the Congress. The president can recommend legislation and talk to the people concerning legislation. The executive branch has this ‘check’ over the judicial branch: The president appoints the supreme court and federal judges.

Powers of the Legislative Branch The legislative branch has the following ‘checks’ over the executive branch:   They may override vetoes with a two-thirds vote. They have the power to fund any executive actions. They may impeach the president. They approve treaties. They approve appointments. The legislative branch has the following ‘checks’ over the judicial branch: They create lower courts. They may impeach judges.

Powers of the Judicial Branch The judicial branch has the following ‘checks’ over the executive branch: Judges appointed for life are free from being controlled by the executive branch. Courts can judge executive actions to be unconstitutional. The judicial branch has the following ‘check’ over the legislative branch: Courts can judge legislative acts as unconstitutional.

Unfortunately,…  While separation of powers is key to the workings of our government, no government (including ours) exists with an absolute separation of powers.