Separation of powers and checks and balances are two democratic ideals that many people point to as examples of why our government has endured. In 3-5 sentences cite the evidence that these ideals are prevalent in the constitution by explaining what each means and providing an example for each
Separation of powers refers to the division of government responsibilities among different branches to prevent any one branch from becoming too powerful. This is evident in the Constitution through the allocation of specific powers to the legislative, executive, and judicial branches. For example, the legislative branch has the power to make laws, the executive branch enforces laws, and the judicial branch interprets laws.
Checks and balances, on the other hand, refers to the system in which each branch of government has some measure of influence over the other branches and may choose to block procedures of other branches. This is evident in the Constitution through mechanisms such as presidential veto power, congressional override power, and judicial review. For example, the president has the power to veto legislation passed by Congress, but Congress can override the veto with a two-thirds majority vote.