Question

In your own words, describe the concepts of "separated powers" and "checks and balances." Why was the system put in place?  Are the powers supposed to be equal? Which branch did Madison say would be the most powerful?

Answer 1

Separated powers refers to the independency and equal power each branch of the government has which doesn’t conflict with each other. This way, they three have powers that are guaranteed by the constitution. Checks and balances on the other hand refers to limiting the powers of each branch by the other. This way each one wouldn’t go beyond their power guaranteed by the constitution. Although all the three have equal power, James Madison predicted that the legislative branch will have more power than the other two. This is because it’s legislative branch that would enact laws and amend the constitution thus controlling the powers of the other two branches.

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