Separation of Powers

Members of the convention of 1787 feared the oppression of highly concentrated power, whether on the part of an individual or the ascendency of a parliamentary majority. Any suggested scheme to be satisfactory must limit the power of government rather than expand it. Their plan of government provided for the division of power into three departments: A legislative body working together in a representative capacity having power of appointment, power of legislation, power to raise revenues, power to appropriate funds for public expenditure. An executive department whose duty was law enforcement and administration of the departments. A judicial or law-interpreting department, at the head of which stands the Supreme Court.