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Purpose Of Separation Of Powers In The United States

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Purpose Of Separation Of Powers In The United States
Separation of powers is a major principle in the United States Constitution. It divides the power of the federal government into three co-equal branches. The legislative branch which creates laws, the executive branch whose job it is to enforce the laws, and finally, the judicial branch that interprets the laws. The purpose of separation of powers is to achieve an effective but still limited government and to protect the people from the abuse of power.
The job of the executive branch is to carry out the law. The president is part of this branch. American citizens elect the president. The president leads the country and is the Commander in Chief of the United States Armed Forces. The president can sign a bill passed by the legislature into law, or the bill can be
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The United States has a bicameral legislature. It is composed of the House of Representatives which is based on proportional representation, and the Senate which is based on equal representation. Citizens elect the members of both the House of Representatives and the Senate. The House of Representatives and the Senate can override a presidential veto with a two thirds vote which turns the bill into a law.
The Judicial branch interprets laws. It has the power of judicial review which means it decides if a law or bill is constitutional. Federal judges are appointed by the president and must be approved by the Senate. The judicial branch includes the court system which deals with criminal and civil trials. The Supreme Court of the United States is the head of the judicial branch.
The United States Constitution is the supreme law of the land. It holds more power than all three of the branches of the federal government. It keeps all of the branches in check, the branches must abide by the law of the constitution. Politicians and citizens must all abide by the law due to rule of law. Higher law is also a very important factor in separation of powers and limited

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