Now that the Framers got the Constitution all sorted out, it’s time for us to review some Constitutional principles we see in our American Government.
To start, the Separation of Powers is basically that the executive, legislative, and judicial branches are all equal in power yet have separate powers and responsibilities to carry out, respectively. Checks and balances are ways each branch can ensure the others don’t become too powerful. For instance, the Supreme Court can strike down unconstitutional laws/actions passed by the other branches.
In Federalist No. 51, James Madison argues how separation of powers, paired with checks and balances, prevents the majority from abusing the minority. While each of the three branches indeed have lots of power, one cannot become more powerful than the other with the power of checks and balances.
Separation of powers and checks and balances impact the political system in various ways, as stakeholders and institutions can influence public policy. For instance, legal actions such as impeachment can cause government officials to be removed, with the House initiating the process and the Senate conducting the trial.
Let's Practice!