Separation of powers
Political doctrine of constitutional law under which the three branches of government (executive, legislative, and judicial) are kept separate to prevent abuse of power. Also known as the system of checks and balances, each branch is given certain powers so as to check and balance the other branches.
See executive power, congressional power, and judicial review.
Definition from Nolo’s Plain-English Law Dictionary
The principle that the three branches of government -- legislative, executive, and judicial -- have separate and distinct functions and should not operate in each other's realms.
Definition provided by Nolo’s Plain-English Law Dictionary.
August 19, 2010, 5:27 pm
