In this article you will learn about the Division of Power in Political Science.
Division of Power
The division of power is a fundamental concept in political science. It refers to the separation of the various functions, powers and responsibilities of government among different branches or levels of government. The purpose of dividing power in this way is to prevent any individual or group from having too much control and to ensure that all aspects of government are held accountable to the people.
One of the very well-known and influential examples of the division of power is the system established by the United States Constitution. The Constitution divides power among three organs of government, that is the legislative, the executive, and the judicial.
The legislative branch, represented by Congress, is responsible for making laws and formulates the will of the state. Congress is made up of two chambers : the Senate and the House of Representatives. The Senate is composed of two Senators from each state, and the number of Representatives from each state is determined by population. Together, these two chambers make up the legislative organ of government, which is responsible for creating and passing laws.
The executive branch is responsible for enforcing and implementing the laws that are passed by the legislative branch. The President of the United States is the head of the executive branch and has the power to sign or veto legislation into law, as well as the power to appoint federal judges and executive branch officials. The President also serves as the Commander in Chief of the military.
The judicial branch performs rule-adjudication functions and is responsible for interpreting the laws passed by the legislative branch and determining whether they are constitutional or not. The Supreme Court is the highest court in the land and is composed of nine justices who are appointed by the President and confirmed by the Senate. The Court has the power to review cases and disputes and make final decisions on the constitutionality of laws and the actions of the other branches of government.
This separation of powers is further fortified by a system of checks and balances, which allows each branch to limit the power of the others. For example, the President can sign and veto legislation, but Congress can override a veto with a two-thirds majority. The Supreme Court can declare laws unconstitutional, whereas Congress can propose amendments to the Constitution to address the Court's concerns.
Another example is the federal system in which power is divided between the national government and the individual states. In the United States, for example, the national government has certain powers and functions, such as the power to regulate commerce and defend the country, while the states have other powers, such as the power to regulate education and manage property within their borders. This division of power allows for a check and balance between national and state interests and helps to prevent the concentration of too much power in one place.
In conclusion, the division of power is a key principle in government that helps to ensure that no individual or group has too much control and that all aspects of government are held accountable to the people. By dividing power among different branches and levels of government and implementing a system of checks and balances, governments can prevent tyranny and protect the rights and freedoms of every individual.
This article on Division of Power in Political Science is contributed by Dipshikha Anand. If you like LawStudyPoint.com do follow us on our Twitter handle.