The U.S. Constitution in Five Minutes - Joseph L. Smith
13. What Is the Purpose of the Separation of Powers?
The U.S. Constitution in Five Minutes - Joseph L. Smith
Joseph L. Smith [+]
University of Alabama
Joseph L. Smith is a professor and department chair in the Department of Political Science at the University of Alabama. His research focuses on decision-making in the U.S. federal courts.
Description
The separation of powers divides government functions between separate legislative, executive, and judicial branches to make it harder to implement abusive policies. Each branch also plays a role in the other branches’ functions. Disputes over the scope of each branch’s powers are common.