B.+Separation+of+Power




 * This page explores the concept of separation of powers in American government**.

For more information on checks and balances among the branches of the government, see United States History I.15.

See also United States Government 3.3.

Teaching with Documents: Constitutional Issues/Separation of Powers





It was agreed upon that separated powers were needed because many felt that the root to tyranny was concentrated power.

Below are the articles of the Constitution that imply separated powers: All legislative Powers herein granted shall be vested in a Congress of the United States, which shall consist of a Senate and House of Representatives.
 * Article 1, Section 1**:

The executive Power shall be vested in a President of the United States of America. He shall hold his Office during the Term of four Years, and, together with the Vice President, chosen for the same Term, be elected, as follows: Each State shall appoint, in such Manner as the Legislature thereof may direct, a Number of Electors, equal to the whole Number of Senators and Representatives to which the State may be entitled in the Congress: but no Senator or Representative, or Person holding an Office of Trust or Profit under the United States, shall be appointed an Elector.
 * Article 2, Section 1**:

The judicial Power of the United States shall be vested in one supreme Court, and in such inferior Courts as the Congress may from time to time ordain and establish. The Judges, both of the supreme and inferior Courts, shall hold their Offices during good Behaviour, and shall, at stated Times, receive for their Services a Compensation, which shall not be diminished during their Continuance in Office.
 * Article 3, Section 1**:

Want an inside look at life in each branch? Click for a day in the life of a Congressman, President, and Supreme Court Justice.

Click here for an ehow article that describes the powers each branch has.

Go here for information on the Presidential Impeachment Process from the U. S. House of Representatives.



Click here for an article on separation of powers.

Click here for five short videos on the separation of powers.

Click here for the Schoolhouse Rock song "Three Ring Government"

Click here for a "People on the Street" segment asking people what they believe power is and here for one specifically on the power of the President.

Click here for a game on separated powers from iCivics.

Click here for a game on the branches of power from PBS.

Here is another game on the separation of powers.

Click here for a lesson plan on separated powers. Ideally, the lesson plan goes along with the National Constitutional Center's show, //Separation of Powers//, but the lesson can be completed without it.

See also Montesquieu, Separation of Powers, Influence on US Government.