Organs of Government and Separation of Powers
What the domain tests
You must know the three organs, their functions, and how separation of powers works with checks and balances. The exam also tests how parliamentary and presidential systems differ in practice.
Core ideas
- Legislature: makes law, authorises taxation and expenditure, debates policy, and oversees the executive.
- Executive: implements law, conducts foreign policy, and directs administration. It may be political (cabinet) and permanent (civil service).
- Judiciary: adjudicates disputes, interprets law, and reviews constitutionality.
- Separation of powers: Montesquieu argued that legislative, executive and judicial powers should not be concentrated. Checks and balances prevent tyranny.
Worked example
In India, Parliament legislates, the Council of Ministers executes, and courts review. Yet the executive is drawn from the legislature and remains accountable to the Lok Sabha. The reasoning shows a parliamentary fusion of personnel with functional separation and judicial review.
Traps
Do not describe separation as absolute; it is functional and partial. Do not say the judiciary executes laws. Do not claim the Indian President governs personally; the President acts on ministerial advice.