The Separation Of Powers

In 1787, over the course of four months 55 delegates gathered together at the Philadelphia convention to write the constitution. It was there the important concept of separation of powers was written into the constitution, and little did they know what a lasting effect this system would have on American government. In the creation of the constitution the framers intended to establish a government that would be free from tyranny with the necessary precautions to divide power fairly and equally. The framers thought the best course of action would be to divide and conquer by preventing any one person from gaining too much power and control. The philosophy of separation of powers was adopted to create the three branches of government and in doing

Although the framers of the constitution were brilliant men on their own, many outside influences impacted their views of government and were incorporated into the makings of the constitution. Political philosophers such as John Locke and Baron de Montesquieu played a large role in many of the concepts and ideals that influenced the constitution. The intricate systems of the three branches, checks and balances, and division of powers between federal and state are all established by the same underlying theory of separation of powers intended to withstand the test of time and protect liberty as the framers envisioned. To begin with, the framers of the constitution applied the theory of separation of powers in the division of the three branches of government and then further in the division between federal and state powers. The three branches of government were devised by the framers of the

The theories of philosophers such as John Lock and Baron de Montesquieu were certainly incorporated into the constitution and became a prominent part of our governmental system. John Locke, a political philosopher from England represented theories of natural rights, social contract theory, and a government responsibility is to protect people’s inherent rights. Locke discussed the ideology that mankind has certain inalienable rights that are to be protected including life, liberty and property. One of Locke’s most notable philosophies is the social contract theory. This theory emphasized the idea that if the people consent to obeying the government, the government will have the responsibility to protects these inalienable rights in return. But, if the government failed to protect these certain rights, then it is the right of the people to replace the government if