The separation of powers, in the United States Constitution, is a doctrine whereby the legislative, executive and judicial branches are kept distinct in the hope of precluding each of them from abusing power. The phrase itself never appears in the United States Constitution, but is clearly implied by the structure of the Constitution. The Constitution, however, does provide for limited interference by each branch in the affairs of another. This system, called checks and balances, is designed to prevent any one branch from becoming too powerful or abusive of power. (more...)
