Difference Between Checks and Balances And Separation of Powers

Difference Between Checks and Balances And Separation of Powers

The principle of checks and balances means that each organ of government should exercise control over the other, while Separation of Powers can be defined as a system of government which the legislature, executive, and judiciary are each separate in term. of functions and personnel. Baron de Mostesquieu argued that where the legislative and executive powers were united in the same person, there could be no liberty.

Powers and Functions of the Executive in a State

As the hub around which the wheel of government revolves, the executive is the active force in government. As such, it performs a number of functions and exercises certain powers which are necessary for the survival of the political system. Some of these powers and functions of the executive are explained below.

Functions of Political Parties

Functions of Political parties include the following in the political system - 1. Interest articulation, 2. Interest aggregation, 3. Recruitment and removal of political leaders, 4. Link between government and the people, 5. Mobilization of public opinion, 6. Peaceful means of changing government, 7. Simplification and clarification of issues.