How does the Constitution ensure the separation of powers?

The Constitution ensures the separation of powers by distributing responsibilities among the three branches of government: the legislative, the executive, and the judicial branches. This fundamental principle is designed to prevent any single branch from gaining too much power and to create a system of checks and balances. Each branch has its own distinct functions: the legislative branch is responsible for making laws, the executive branch enforces those laws, and the judicial branch interprets them.

This distribution of powers is crucial as it not only delineates the authority of each branch, but also establishes a framework for accountability and oversight among them. For instance, while Congress can pass legislation, the President has the power to veto that legislation, and the courts can rule on its constitutionality. This interconnected yet separate structure ensures that power is balanced and that no single branch can operate without some level of cooperation and mutual oversight from the others.

In contrast, establishing a system of federalism mainly concerns the division of powers between the national and state governments. Defining the roles of state governments focuses on their authority rather than the relationship between the branches of the national government. Lastly, implementing a bicameral legislature pertains specifically to the structure of Congress and does not address the broader concept of separation of powers across the three