2) Separation of Powers
The framers of the U.S. Constitution wanted to prevent the new federal government from
becoming a dictatorship. To keep the government from becoming too powerful, they divided
its powers among three branches-the legislative branch, the executive branch, and the
judicial branch.



For each of the three branches of government identify one power given to it by the
Constitution.

Explain why each power you identified in part a is important in our system of
government. Support your explanation with specific, real-life examples.