Separation of Powers Issues
Checks and Balances and the Independent Counsel
The separation of governmental powers is one of the hallmarksof the American constitutional system. In Britain and in the manyother countries that follow the Westminster model, the executive,legislative, and judicial functions are all handled, wholly orin important measure, by the single entity known as Parliament.In the United States, however, each of these functions is carriedout by a separate branch of government, namely the presidency,the Congress, and the Judiciary.The three are interrelated not only in the way they derivetheir power, but also in the way they exercise it. The President,senators, and representatives are directly elected; judges andjustices are appointed by the…
