What document outlines the separation of powers in the United States?

What document outlines the separation of powers in the United States?

• A. The Declaration of Independence
• B. The Constitution
• C. The Bill of Rights
• D. The Federalist Papers

Answer: (B)

The Constitution is the document that outlines the separation of powers in the United States. Specifically, it establishes a framework for government by dividing authority among three branches: the legislative, executive, and judicial branches. This design ensures that no single branch becomes too powerful and provides a system of checks and balances whereby each branch can limit the powers of the others. This separation is vital to the functioning of American democracy, helping to prevent tyranny and protect citizens' rights. The Declaration of Independence, while a foundational document that proclaimed the colonies' intent to separate from British rule, does not establish the structure of government or the separation of powers. The Bill of Rights is a series of amendments that protect individual liberties and rights but does not define governmental structure. The Federalist Papers contain essays that discuss theories of government and support the ratification of the Constitution, but they do not serve as the foundational legal document that outlines the separation of powers itself.

The Constitution is the document that outlines the separation of powers in the United States. Specifically, it establishes a framework for government by dividing authority among three branches: the legislative, executive, and judicial branches. This design ensures that no single branch becomes too powerful and provides a system of checks and balances whereby each branch can limit the powers of the others. This separation is vital to the functioning of American democracy, helping to prevent tyranny and protect citizens' rights.

The Declaration of Independence, while a foundational document that proclaimed the colonies' intent to separate from British rule, does not establish the structure of government or the separation of powers. The Bill of Rights is a series of amendments that protect individual liberties and rights but does not define governmental structure. The Federalist Papers contain essays that discuss theories of government and support the ratification of the Constitution, but they do not serve as the foundational legal document that outlines the separation of powers itself.