Describe the main political features of the Constitution (Separation of powers and checks and balances, give examples)

Question

Describe the main political features of the Constitution (Separation of powers and checks and balances, give examples)

Answer 1

For the student answering this question: understand that your response should include a description and examples for two different concepts (1. separation of powers 2. checks and balances).

1. separation of powers - what might this wording suggest about the meaning? We know that the US gov't has three branches (executive, legislative, judicial), do all of these branches have the same powers/responsibilities or are they separate? What purpose does it serve to have these separations in gov't?
2. checks and balances - again, what might the wording of this phrase suggest about its meaning? The concept of checks and balances goes hand in hand with separation of powers. Granted there are three branches of gov't, should any one branch have the majority of power or should there be limitations? Who sets the limitations for who? How is this balanced?

Address each of the questions asked for both concepts in your response.