Question

What is the difference between checks and balances and separation of powers? What is the role of each branch of government in the United States? What is one way that each branch can control the power of another branch?

Answer in your own words and complete sentences (5-8 sentences).

Answer 1

The principle of division or separation of powers states that the power of a state has to be divided in three independent branches:

• Legislative power exercised by the Parliament, which is in charge of enacting legislation
• Executive power related to law enforcement and exercised by the Goverment.
• Judiciary power constituted by the court system, in charge of interpreting the laws.

To ensure that none of the branches gathers enough power to overrule the others, a system of Checks and Balances is established, so that each power supervises the actions undertaken by the other two. For example, judicial review is a mechanism employed by the judiciary power in the US which enables to abolish laws and govermental actions if they are violating the Constitution.