Separation of Powers
Separation of Powers: Government power is not only limited; It is also divided. The constitution assigns specific powers to each of the three branches: the legislative (Congress), the executive (President) and the judicial (federal courts). This separation of powers is intended to prevent misuse of power by one branch of government.
Examples of how separation of powers is applied
- Legislative
- Executive
- Judicial
Examples of how separation of powers has been applied over time?
Royal Colonies (1624)
- The governor was appointed by the king as the executive
- The Council was appointed by the kind as legislative
Proprietary Colonies (1632)
- The Governor was chosen by the proprietor of the colonies
- The Governor was separate from the house and council
Charter Colonies (1662)
- Laws in charter colonies was made by legislature
- Judges where appointed and not elected
Virgina Plan (1787)
- The Virgina plan suggested three branches of government
- Congress would be bicameral
- Representation would be based on population