Separation Of Powers Essay

Words: 925
Pages: 4

James Madison once said, “The accumulation of all powers, legislative, executive and judicial in the same hands, whether of one, a few, or many, and whether hereditary, self-appointed, or elective, may justly be pronounced the very definition of tyranny.” (Federalist No. 51, 1788) The fear of tyranny or corruption was a concerning situation that had to be resolved. Thus led to the establishment of the Separation of Powers, a doctrine that states the division of the powers and the limits of those powers to different institutions. The sole purpose of the Separation of Powers is to clarify the distinction of personnel and their functions between the three branches of government (legislature, executive, and judiciary). This clarification was necessary in order to prevent excessive amounts of power to the personnel. Between each institution, a system of Checks and Balances were placed. The Judicial Branch were allowed to check on the Executive and Legislative Branches. The Legislature Branch checked on the Executive and Judiciary Branches and the Executive Branch checked on the Legislature and Judiciary Branch. Each had their own duties to fulfill by utilizing the …show more content…
When it comes to impeachment, executive officials can only be removed from office for the conviction of treason, bribery, and other misdemeanors (Article II, Section 4). When it involves the impeachment of the President by the Congress, the House of Representatives act as prosecutors while the Senate takes the role as the jury. However, it is the Congress who is the only one that has the authority to perform the process. As for overriding vetoes, the legislature has the ability to veto against the President’s decision. However, the legislature cannot simply decide that the President’s decision has been vetoed. In order to override the President’s veto, there must be a two-thirds majority