AP U.S. Government and Politics Glossary

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Separation of Powers

Definition

Separation of powers is a constitutional doctrine that divides the government into three branches to prevent any one branch from becoming too powerful. The American government is separated into three branches: Legislative, Executive, Judicial. Separation of powers refers to a horizontal division of power between distinct branches of the national government: legislative, executive, judicial. Power is divided into separate parts because “the accumulation of all powers, legislative, executive, and judicial in the same hands may justly be pronounced the very definition of tyranny.” James Madison and the Framers (great band name) built a constitution with five pillars to stop tyranny in its tracks: 

  1. Separation of Powers

  2. Checks and Balances

  3. Bill of Rights - Civil Liberties

  4. Federalism

  5. Free and Regular Elections

Example

 
 
 
 

Questions

  1. What is separation of powers?

  2. Why do we have separation of powers in the U.S.?

  3. What the heck does this mean: “The accumulation of all powers, legislative, executive and judiciary, in the same hands…may justly be pronounced the very definition of tyranny.”

  4. Which branch of the separated ones do you think is the strongest?

  5. Why three branches, and not 57?

  6. Wouldn’t you just love a hot fresh waffle right about now?

  7. How do separation of powers impact you and your 346 million closest friends - the American people?

  8. How was separation of Powers intended to guard against tyranny? 

  9. What would you say to somebody who says all this separation of powers stuff is a waste of time and not really all that big of a deal?

  10. Which branch do you think People Magazine will name America’s Sexiest Branch?

Remember!

Now, let’s commit this term to our long-term memory. On a scrap piece of paper, take 10 or 20 seconds to draw Separation of Powers! Draw with symbols or stick figures if you wish. Nothing fancy. Don’t expect a masterpiece. No one else will see this but you. Look at your drawing. That’s all - now it’s downloaded into your memory. Destroy the piece of paper in a most delightful way.

Further Review

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  • Essential vocabulary with link to online glossary.

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  • GoPo Pro Tips.

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