Sanika Week 10: The Separation of Powers
The Separation of Powers
“Separation of powers” is a phrase that we likely have all heard of either through our history classes or the media. To define it, separation of powers is a model that “divides the government into separate branches, each of which has separate and independent powers” (“Separation of Powers”). Generally, this consists of the three branches we know: the Legislative Branch, the Executive Branch, and the Judicial Branch. An evident example of separation of powers being used in a government is, of course, the United States.
“Separation of powers” is also known as “trias politica,” and was originally devised from Baron de Montesquieu, an Enlightenment philosopher. Monstesquieu claimed that “to most effectively prompt liberty, these three powers must be separate and acting independently” (Separation of Powers: An Overview). The Founding Fathers of the United States were also influenced by Mostesquieu’s idea of “trias politica” and incorporated it into one of the most significant official documents of the nation, the Constitution.
To briefly explain the three branches: The Legislative Branch consists of Congress which includes the Senate and the House of Representatives. The powers held by this branch include creating laws, declaring war, regulating interstate and foreign commerce, and managing taxes. The Executive Branch involves the President, Vice President, and their advisors from various departments. Their powers include negotiating and signing treaties, conducting diplomacy with other nations, and clarifying existing laws. Finally, the Judicial Branch consists of the federal courts and the Supreme Court. They have the power to “interpret the law, determine the constitutionality of the law, and apply it to individual cases” (“The Judicial Branch”).
The separation of powers is undoubtedly important as it ensures that one branch of a government would not become too powerful than the others. This also allows for a system of checks and balances which guarantees that power within the government is distributed evenly within the three branches so the power of each branch can stay limited.
SoapBox Media: “Government Checks and Balances: How the Border Wall Pushes the Limits”
Hi Sanika, I liked how you connected the topic of Separation of powers to history and government. You further go on to explain the various branches of government. I like how you mention the origin of the idea of separation of powers and why Monstesquien came up with the idea of separating the government's power. Your explanation about the three branches of the government gave me a good insight into each of their work and the people involved in each branch. It allowed me to understand each branch and its importance in the society. I think the most important and powerful branch is the Legislative Branch as they can create new laws giving more power compared to other branches. You explain how the method of separation of power helps to ensure no one branch of government becomes powerful but the Legislative branch still holds the most power as they have the freedom to create laws that are meant to be followed by the other two branches. I think there are still some flaws in this system that can be improved, but without the idea of separation of power, society would be corrupt and only certain people would hold the most power. Overall your blog had a good topic and showed how society limits the power of certain government branches by separating them.
ReplyDeleteHi, Sanika. To start things off, I would like to say that your relatable introduction was a clever hook due to the fact that “we likely have all heard of either through our history classes or the media.” On top of that, the inclusion of historical context in the lines “‘Separation of powers’ is also known as ‘trias politica,’ and was originally devised from Baron de Montesquieu, an Enlightenment philosopher” gave the readers a fuller understanding of the concept of separation of powers. The importance of separation of powers is emphasized in another explanatory line “The separation of powers is undoubtedly important as it ensures that one branch of a government would not become too powerful than the others.“ The use of reputable sources, an explanatory tone, and conciseness made the blog an effective communication of these ideas.
ReplyDeleteWe have seen multiple times in the past examples of people abusing their power and the devastating results. Abagail in the Salem Witch Trials, whose words were given to much merit from the village, was used to wrongfully execute multiple people. Montesquieu, from the French Enlightenment, was referred to in the American Constitution, when a tyrannical Britain abused their power, and during the French Revolution, which was sparked by the unfair balance of power between the First, Second, and Third Estates. These instances prove why a limited power through checks and balances are crucial. Humans are by nature selfish, because their interest are more of a reality than their ability to empathize with others. When one person's holds more power than others, they are inclined to use it for their self-interest. This is why in theory, a communist society could work, but due to our need for personal profits that do not belong to the state, there is no incentive to industrialize, because the lack of open market limits profits. The leader of communist entities has excessive control that allows them to poorly treat farmers and host lavish parties. Your blog reenforces the separation of power that is necessary for a functional society, and I am excited to see what you write about next.
ReplyDeleteHi Sanika, your blog is very informational and has enlightened me about the country's history and government! Your introduction was highly relatable, making it easy for the audience to become intrigued by your topic. This is all a topic we have learned in our history classes, but your blog gives us more knowledge on the power of the government, and why we need this separation. By explaining why the separation of powers ensures that no one gets too much power, you show how necessary this is to have a functional society. I believe that your blog is very knowledgeable and educational to anyone who didn't pay attention in their history class!
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