What fundamental principle is established by the separation of powers in the Illinois Constitution?

What fundamental principle is established by the separation of powers in the Illinois Constitution?

• A. The concurrent authority of all branches
• B. The combination of judicial and executive powers
• C. The division of government responsibilities into distinct branches
• D. The unification of government functions for efficiency

Answer: (C)

The separation of powers in the Illinois Constitution establishes the fundamental principle that government responsibilities are divided into distinct branches: the legislative, executive, and judicial branches. This division ensures that no single branch has the authority to dominate or control the functions of government, promoting a system of checks and balances. The legislative branch is responsible for making laws, the executive branch enforces those laws, and the judicial branch interprets them. By structuring the government in this way, the Illinois Constitution aims to prevent abuses of power and protect the rights of citizens, ensuring that all branches operate independently while also holding each other accountable. The choices that refer to concurrent authority, the combination of powers, or the unification of government functions misrepresent the purpose of the separation of powers, which is explicitly about creating distinct and separate roles to enhance democratic governance and prevent overreach.

The separation of powers in the Illinois Constitution establishes the fundamental principle that government responsibilities are divided into distinct branches: the legislative, executive, and judicial branches. This division ensures that no single branch has the authority to dominate or control the functions of government, promoting a system of checks and balances.

The legislative branch is responsible for making laws, the executive branch enforces those laws, and the judicial branch interprets them. By structuring the government in this way, the Illinois Constitution aims to prevent abuses of power and protect the rights of citizens, ensuring that all branches operate independently while also holding each other accountable.

The choices that refer to concurrent authority, the combination of powers, or the unification of government functions misrepresent the purpose of the separation of powers, which is explicitly about creating distinct and separate roles to enhance democratic governance and prevent overreach.