Changes

The three branches of the federal government -- legislative, executive, and judicial -- are required to act independently of each other, and expected to limit growth in power by each other.  Some credit for this concept is given to the French political philosopher Baron de Montesquieu.

The three branches of the federal government -- legislative, executive, and judicial -- are required to act independently of each other, and expected to limit growth in power by each other.  Some credit for this concept is given to the French political philosopher Baron de Montesquieu.

Numerous statements by the Framers, both in the Federalist Papers (by Alexander Hamilton and James Madison) and other documents, emphasized how important the separation of powers is.  For example, Alexander Hamilton wrote in Federalist No. 71:

Numerous statements by the Framers, both in the Federalist Papers (by Alexander Hamilton and James Madison) and other documents, emphasized how strict the separation of powers should be.  For example, Alexander Hamilton wrote in Federalist No. 71:

{{cquote|The same rule that teaches the propriety of a partition between the various branches of power, teaches us likewise that this partition ought to be so contrived as to render the one independent of the other.}}

{{cquote|The same rule that teaches the propriety of a partition between the various branches of power, teaches us likewise that this partition ought to be so contrived as to render the one independent of the other.}}

What does the separation of powers mean in practice?  One meaning is that the President is not allowed to change a law passed by Congress.  The President, and the entire Executive Branch, has only the power to "execute" (enforce) the laws faithfully to what Congress passed.

What does the separation of powers mean in practice?  One meaning is that the President is not allowed to change a law passed by Congress.  The President, and the entire Executive Branch, has only the power to "execute" (enforce) the laws faithfully based on what Congress passed.

== Homework ==

== Homework ==