1. Separation of Powers (Balance of powers)

2. Definition
The separation of powers is the idea that government consists of three functions or branches (legislative, executive, and judicial) and that liberty is best protected where the three branches are kept institutionally separate from each other.
The constitutional principle that limits the powers vested in any person or institution. It divides governmental authority into three branches: legislative (Parliament or Senate), executive (President or Prime Minister and the Cabinet), and judiciary (Chief Justice and other judges).

3. Under the separation of powers, each branch of 
government has a specific function.
The legislative branch makes the laws. 
The executive branch implements the laws.
 The judiciary interprets the laws and decides legal controversies

4. The purpose of the separation of powers
The purpose of the separation of powers is to balance and limit government power.
Separating power prevents one person or group of people from accumulating or using too much power.
The separation of powers also provides a series of checks and balances (rights of mutual control and influence), so that if one branch of government overreaches its power or infringes on the rights of citizens, the other branches can intervene.
The separation of powers in a democracy is to prevent abuse of power and to safeguard freedom for all.

5. The Legislative Power
The first of the three powers has the task of passing laws and supervising their implementation. It is exercised by Parliament
Parliament exercises control over the executive, it checks the work of the Governments and the administrative institutions. The Government has to justify itself to Parliament in respect of everything it does or causes the administration to do.

6. The Executive Power
The executive branch implements policies and programs, administers the national budget, and conducts national affairs.  It may also propose laws, but only the parliament may enact legislation, including the budget.

7. The Judicial Power Judiciary))
The judiciary is the system of courts that interprets and apply the laws in the name of the state.
The courts can decide the guilt or innocence of individuals charged with a crime, and only the higher courts can determine whether a law or a government action or policy is constitutional.

8. In most jurisdictions, the court system is divided into at least three levels:
the trial court,
appellate court;
and a
supreme court (or court of last resort)

9. Iraq Government
The federal government of Iraq is defined under the current Constitution as an Islamic, democratic, federal parliamentary, republic.
The federal government is composed of the executive, legislative, and judicial branches, as well as numerous independent commissions.

10. The legislative branch is composed of the Council of Representatives and a Federation Council.
The executive branch is composed of the President, the Prime Minister, and the Council of Ministers.
The federal judiciary is composed of the Higher Judicial Council, the Supreme Court, the Court of Cassation, the Public Prosecution Department, the Judiciary Oversight Commission, and other federal courts that are regulated by law. One such court is the Central Criminal Court.

11. The Independent High Commission for Human Rights,
The Independent High Electoral Commission,
and the Commission on Integrity
are independent commissions subject to monitoring by the Council of Representatives.

12. The Central Bank of Iraq,
The Board of Supreme Audit,
The Communications and Media Commission, and the Endowment Commission
are financially and administratively independent institutions.

13. The Foundation of Martyrs is attached to the Council of Ministers.
The Federal Public Service Council regulates the affairs of the federal public service, including appointment and promotion.