Separation of Powers

Separation of Powers refers to a system of government devided into several branches holding independent powers.

Characteristics
Arguments in favor of Arguments opposing
The powers and responsibilities are devided among the branches.
Separation of powers helps to limit the concentration of powerin the society. Separation of powers may increase the difficulty of coordinating a government effort.
The branches operate independently from each other.
The independence of powers helps to ensure proper checks and balances. Indepenence of powers may cause a deadlock when different branches have opposing views.

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Competing Views...

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Thomas Jefferson: "The executive in our governments is not the sole, it is scarcely the principal object of my jealousy. The tyranny of the legislatures is the most formidable dread at present, and will be for long years. That of the executive will come in it's turn, but it will be at a remote period.", Letter from Jefferson to Madison. March 15, 1789, [URL]

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