Separation of Powers
Creating Three Branches of Government
• The French Enlightenment thinker Charles de Montesquieu was the first to suggest the idea of dividing up governmental power
• James Madison agreed with this statement in his Federalist Paper #47
Charles de Montesquieu
“The accumulation of all powers, legislative, executive, and judiciary, in the same hands… may justly be pronounced the very definition of tyranny.” - James Madison, Federalist Paper #47
• The Constitution creates a separation of powers to avoid too much power in the hands of one person or group and to allow the government to control itself
• This separation of power creates three branches of government, each with specific powers
Separation of Powers
• The Executive Branch includes the President and is in charge of carrying out the laws
• The powers of the President include: • Directing foreign policy and makes
treaties • Commander in Chief of the
military • Suggesting laws that should be
made • Sign bills into law or veto them • Appointing federal judges
Separation of Powers
• The Judicial Branch includes the United States Supreme Court and is in charge of evaluating and interpreting the law
• The powers of the Supreme Court include: • Declaring laws unconstitutional
• Declaring executive actions unconstitutional
Separation of Powers
• The Legislative Branch includes the bicameral Congress and is in charge of making laws (legislation)
• The powers of Congress include: • Override a President’s veto with 2/3 vote • Approves treaties and Presidential
appointments
• Appropriates money • Print and coin money • Declare war and support the army
Separation of Powers
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