The Constitution
The separation of powers was established in 1787 and came into effect in1789. The purpose was full intention that no branch of the government would have total control or power. They wanted each branch to have specific powers and responsibilities. The national government was divided into three branches: the legislative branch, the executive branch, and the judicial branch.
The legislative branch is responsible for enacting laws. (Garner 2001). Article I, section 1 of the constitution states the powers given to the legislative branch shall be placed in a congress consisting of a senate and House of Representatives. (U.S. National Archives and Records Administration 2010).
The executive branch shall be placed with the President. This branch of government is charged with administering and carrying out the law. This includes the power to see the laws are duly executed and enforced (Garner 2001). Article 2, section 2 of the constitution states that the President has the power to grant retrieves and pardons for offenses against the United States except in cases of Impeachments. (U.S. National Archives and Records Administration 2010).
The judicial branch’s function is to explain, apply, and enforce the law. (Garner 2001). Article III, Section 1 of the constitution states that the judicial power shall be placed in one Supreme Court and in such inferior courts. Article II, section 2 states that the judicial power shall extend to all cases in law, equity, and controversies between two or more states; between a state and citizen of another state, and different states or the same state. (U.S. National Archives and Records Administration 2010).
The checks and balances system was put into place so that one branch is dependent on the other. This system limits the power of each branch and protects from corruption. The President was granted the power to veto acts of Congress deemed unnecessary or unjust, and would be responsible for appointing
The legislative branch is responsible for enacting laws. (Garner 2001). Article I, section 1 of the constitution states the powers given to the legislative branch shall be placed in a congress consisting of a senate and House of Representatives. (U.S. National Archives and Records Administration 2010).
The executive branch shall be placed with the President. This branch of government is charged with administering and carrying out the law. This includes the power to see the laws are duly executed and enforced (Garner 2001). Article 2, section 2 of the constitution states that the President has the power to grant retrieves and pardons for offenses against the United States except in cases of Impeachments. (U.S. National Archives and Records Administration 2010).
The judicial branch’s function is to explain, apply, and enforce the law. (Garner 2001). Article III, Section 1 of the constitution states that the judicial power shall be placed in one Supreme Court and in such inferior courts. Article II, section 2 states that the judicial power shall extend to all cases in law, equity, and controversies between two or more states; between a state and citizen of another state, and different states or the same state. (U.S. National Archives and Records Administration 2010).
The checks and balances system was put into place so that one branch is dependent on the other. This system limits the power of each branch and protects from corruption. The President was granted the power to veto acts of Congress deemed unnecessary or unjust, and would be responsible for appointing