The constitution of the United States has three articles that explain the how powers are separated as well as checks and balances among the branches of the federal government. The federal government consists of three main branches that have separate powers. The three branches of the federal government include; the judiciary, the executive as well as the legislature. Among the three branches, each one of them is tasked with independent as well as separate functions and mandate.
Among the three main branches of the federal government, there is none of them which can assume the functions of another. The separation of powers provides specific functions for each branch. The legislature which consists of the congress makes the laws for the nation, the executive that consists of the president implements the laws while the judiciary that entails the court system interprets and defines legal conflicts (Peterson 89). There is none of the three branches which can assume the functions of another. However, the three branches of the federal government are interrelated. They collaboratively work with each other hence checks and balances for the federal government.
The checks and balances ensure that there is no single arm of the government that attempts to assume too much power (Peterson 78). Under the checks and balances for the federal government, the functions of one arm of the federal government are used as to control as well as modify the powers of the others. For instance, the President consents to the legislation by the legislature and appoints top government officials which must be approved by the congress. This provision for checks and balances for the federal government safeguard the country against tyranny.
Works Cited
Peterson, Thomas E. "Constitutional Democracy." American Democracy. 6th ed. New York, US: McGraw-Hill Higher Education, 2003. Print.
"Separation of Powers Under the United States Constitution." UMKC School of Law. N.p., 2013. Web. 3 June 2013.
