Question

Use the terms separation of powers and checks and balances to describe how the U.S. Constitution set up the three branches of the federal government

Answer 1

The US Constitution set up a system of government with three co-equal branches of government. Each branch of government is responsible for different matters, which is known as the Separation of Powers, and is held responsible to each other with a system of interlocking responsibilities and obligations, better known as checks and balances.

The end result is a system where no branch should stand above the other branches and where each branch is responsible for their own set of responsibilities.