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