Question

Why did the Framers organize the government into separate branches with shared and divided powers? What are some examples of the ways in which governmental power is divided and shared? Why is this sometimes called a system of "checks and balances"?

Answer 1

It gave each branch a way to check the use of power by the other branches to protect the rights and welfare of people. Each branch is given an equal amount of power to balance the responsibilities.

An example of a shared power is that both states and the federal government are able to collect taxes.

It is called this because this system gives each of the three branches of government ways to limit the powers of the other branches.